This is a Czech recipe for delicious, no-bake rum balls. Czechs traditionally make them at Christmas, but they are perfect for any holiday season. Everyone loves them!
3 and ½ouncesvanilla wafers(100 g) e.g. Nilla wafers or any plain shortbread biscuits
1stickunsalted butter(113 g)
⅔cuppowdered sugar(80 g)
⅓cupraisins(50 g)
3 Tablespoonswalnutsground or grated
2Tablespoonsdark cocoa powder
3Tablespoonsspiced rum
½cupcoconutdried, shredded, unswetened
Instructions
First, grind or crush the wafers. Grate the nuts. Coarsely chop the raisins with a chef's knife.
Place the crushed wafers, nuts, sugar, cocoa powder, and raisins in a bowl. Pour in the rum and add the butter. Make a soft dough. Start with a fork, continue with your hands. Or use a food processor if you have one.
Pour shredded coconut on baking paper or a wide cutting board. Pinch off the dough's equal-sized pieces and shape into balls between your palms. The size of each ball should be about 1 inch (2,5 cm) in diameter.
Roll the ball in coconut on all sides.
Notes
Makes about 35 rum balls.
Wich rum to use? Czech classic is "tuzemák" or "Božkov". If you are based in the US, I recommend Kirkland spiced rum (available at Costco) or Austrian Stroh 54.
STORAGE: Place the finished balls in an airtight container lined with baking paper. Also, cover the balls from the top with it. Close the box with the lid and store it in a cool, dry place. A refrigerator is a good idea!
The rum balls will last about a week from when you prepare them. The condition is that you store them in a cool, dry place, and in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
For a festive presentation, place the balls in small paper cups. They will look amazing on the table!