Recipe

Ginger Plum Brandy Balls

Ginger Plum Brandy Balls

Photo by AntoniaJames

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Holiday Confection
  • Chef

    AntoniaJames's Notes: I’ve been using gingersnaps instead of vanilla wafers in my rum balls for quite a few years now. This year, I’m taking things in a new direction, having discovered, during an advanced jam...

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Makes 18 - 24 balls

8 ounces ginger snaps (I use gluten-free ginger snaps, which are increasingly easy to find) Ask the
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4 pitted prunes Ask the
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2 heaping tablespoons dried sour cherries or dried cranberries Ask the
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2 ounces (about ½ cup) pecan, walnut or almond pieces, or toasted pine nuts Ask the
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¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Ask the
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon Ask the
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1/8 teaspoon ground cloves Ask the
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¼ teaspoon lightly crushed anise seed (optional, but recommended) Ask the
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1 tablespoon molasses Ask the
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Zest of one orange, grated Ask the
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1 cup confectioners’ sugar Ask the
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (optional . . . replace with confectioners’ sugar) Ask the
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¼ cup plum brandy (or apple or other fruit brandy, or rum) Ask the
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Superfine granulated sugar for rolling Ask the
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  1. Pulverize the gingersnaps in a food processor to make fine crumbs. Add the dried fruits and process for about thirty seconds, to fully break down and incorporate them.

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  2. Add the nuts or pine nuts, the spices, molasses, orange zest, confectioners’ sugar and cocoa, if using.

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  3. Process until the nuts are finely chopped, but still distinguishable.

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  4. Add the brandy and process just until a large lump forms on the blade.

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  5. Remove the blade and scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll each into a ball. Set the balls on a plate and allow to rest for at least an hour. (It takes a while for the crumbs to absorb the moisture in the other ingredients.)

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  6. Roll the balls in the granulated sugar. These will keep, tightly covered, for three or four days.

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  7. Enjoy!! ;o)

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Img_1958 Reply

These sound amazing, AJ! I can't wait to try them.

Sara-at-castagna Reply

Wow, AJ! These might be the best "rum" balls ever.

Profile Reply

Fabulous AJ! These must bring a ping to the mouth!

Oldies_joemare_bd Reply

These sound amazing, perfect holiday treat. The ginger snaps are the perfect addition with the fruit and spice.

Lorigoldsby Reply

This sounds wonderful...the use of ginger snaps is brilliant!

Copy_of_me Reply

Wonderful recipe, AJ! Love the direction the advanced class took you...

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