yield: 12 balls (1 per serving)
prep time: 20 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill
cook time: 3 minutes

Bourbon balls are a true Southern delicacy. Owing to Kentucky’s many bourbon distilleries, they may be particularly popular there, in my home state. Bourbon balls often found their way onto our holiday tables when I was growing up. My husband, from Tennessee, grew up eating them, too. Every holiday season, his grandma would make several batches. As she made each batch, she would take a nip or two of bourbon, and the last batches always ended up being a bit “stiffer” than the first ones!

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’-style erythritol
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (see Note)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped raw pecans
• ¾ cup sugar-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 12 raw pecan halves, for garnish

1. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and erythritol until pale yellow and fluffy. Add the bourbon, vanilla extract, and pecans and stir until well combined. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, until chilled and easier to shape.

2. Place the chocolate chips and oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment, until melted and smooth.

3. Have on hand 12 foil candy cups or line a tray with parchment paper. Take the pecan mixture out of the refrigerator and roll 1-tablespoon scoops into 1-inch balls. Using a spoon, dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat, then place in the candy cups or on the lined tray. Top each ball with a pecan half.

4. Place back in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Allow the balls to sit out for 10 minutes to soften before eating. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: (optional): 12 individual foil candy cups

Notes:

For best results, use a high-quality bourbon with a smooth flavor. In general, you should use a bourbon that you enjoy sipping. Because these confections are not cooked, they are very slightly boozy and should only be served to adults.