Delicious Rum Balls (and Vodka Balls!)

Delicious snacksI was having a hard time deciding what to bring to the New Year’s Eve party, when suddenly it became so clear. Just put liquor in everything! 

I primarily drink vodka, and didn’t want to have to buy very many ingredients; so I decided to make vodka balls! When I got home I remembered that I did have a little bit of coffee flavored rum, so I made two different flavors (that is why the ingredient list below will seem odd- it’s actually two slightly different recipes in one). 

Chocolate Coffee Rum Balls • Peach Whipped Cream Vodka Balls 

  • 11 oz. box Nilla Wafers (mine smashed down to 3.5 c)
  • 1.5 c powdered sugar (may need more, depending how messy you are)
  • 1.5 T cocoa powder 
  • .5 c chopped hazelnuts
  • 2 oz. coffee rum
  • 1 oz. whipped cream vodka
  • 1 oz. peach vodka 
  • 2 T real maple syrup

First, crush the cookies and chop the nuts. You could probably use a food processor for both. That is so not what I did. I bought the nuts chopped. The cookies I put into a ziplock bag (in three batches) and smashed the hell out of them with a rolling pin. The dogs were not impressed by this at all. I also will add, don’t try to do this just in the bag the cookies come in. There is too much air. It will burst and cookies will fly out. Not saying how I know or anything… 

Then get out two large bowls. Pour half of the cookie crumbs and half of the nuts in each bowl. Add half a cup of powdered sugar to each bowl, and 1 T of cocoa powder to one bowl (this will be the rum ball bowl). The remaining powdered sugar and cocoa powder is for rolling the balls in at the end. Stir the dry ingredients in each bowl until well mixed. 

When the dry ingredients are combined, and 1 T real maple syrup to each bowl. Add the coffee rum to the rum ball bowl (the one with the cocoa powder) and the vodka to the other bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Then put both bowls in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the consistency to set a bit.

When the mixtures are done refrigerating, form them into balls (mine are about an inch, but do whatever you want). Split the remaining powdered sugar into two bowls, and add the remaining cocoa powder to one bowl and stir to get chocolate powdered sugar. Roll each ball in the sugar (rum balls in the chocolate, vodka balls in the plain). Refrigerate until ready to serve, and cover tightly so they don’t dry out. 

That’s it, you’re done! I’m told they get more flavorful if they sit overnight or even for two nights. I wouldn’t know. Mmmmmm. 

I ended up with 24 balls. I probably ate at least two worth of dough while prepping, so there’s that. 

What kind of alcoholic snacks have you made? I want more snack ideas! 

    Jillian

    Holiday Gift Guide – the Dreaded Man Gifts

    gifts for men

    #1 Tequila shot glasses made of Himalayan sea salt!! So cool! This would be a great gift with his favorite bottle of tequila and some limes.

    #2 Anything with his favorite team on it from the NFL Shop. Well. Really you should probably only do this if his favorite team is the Packers. They are the only team that matters!!

    #3 The best party game ever. The guy probably has nothing in his place but beer and an X-Box. Get him Cards Against Humanity.

    #4 A cute doormat, but looks manly enough to not get you thrown out.

    #5 I think this is super cool. A wooden beer caddy! I’m a little skeptical if a guy would use it or think it’s just stupid, so if any guys want to chime in here, let me know! Maybe I should just buy it for myself…

    #6 Man crates are pretty cool if you want the wow factor. They are really expensive though, so it depends what you’re going for. This might be something you could do yourself, if you’re crafty.

    Did anyone find anything really cool? I can’t say on here what I actually bought 🙂

    ❤ Jillian

    Holiday Gift Guide – Hostess Gifts

    hostess gift ideas

    It’s that time of year- holiday parties every time you turn around. Let’s be honest, a lot of them you don’t even want to go to. I say, go to as few as possible! That is the bright side here, everyone is so busy, you can always claim you have a conflict 🙂

    Anyway, some of these parties I bet you do want to go to. The one your best friend is having, or your mom or cool aunt. Obviously you can always bring a bottle of wine (or a bottle of flavored vodka. Vodka is the best.), but here are some other fun options. If you’re creative, they will actually remember that you brought something.

     #1 & #2 Will pets or kids be at the party? Your hostess may love to have something to keep them out of her hair. My friend’s kids love these LEGO Friends toy sets, and my dog loves Kong Wubbas. Plus, how popular will you be for remembering their loved ones?!

     #3 Here’s a cute gift for someone who has everything- paper straws! They come in so many cute designs and colors, and are something most people wouldn’t buy for themselves.

     #4 Reusable bags are always a great gift. They can be used for a million things. They’re a fun way to wrap a gift, they’re perfect for grocery shopping (some cities are now charging for bags with your groceries, so bringing your own just makes sense), and I like to always have one shoved in my purse. I use mostly Baggus, but I actually think Chico Bags are more convenient. Baggus have a separate stuff bag that I never seem to have around. The Chico Bags have an attached stuff sack that I can never lose.

     #5 Around the holidays, everyone has a ton of thank you cards to write. She can do it in style if she has this cool Kate Spade initial card set! I wish the lettering came in different color options, but you can’t have everything. The dots and stripes together are adorable.

     #6 I know this is ridiculously random, but these measuring spoons fit inside spice jars! If your host or hostess likes to cook, these would make a really cool gift. I have no idea why I’ve never seen this before. It’s brilliant.

     #7 How about some Chakra Bath Salts? The cheerful rainbow colors are fun for someone who loves baths, and they have that indulgent spa feel.

    Is anyone throwing any parties this year? I just… can’t. I’m tired. I’m old. I’m… lazy? Okay, fine, mostly tired and lazy. But if anyone wants to come over and drink in a non pressure-y un-party themed atmosphere, come on over!

    Jillian

    Holiday Gift Guide – Kate Spade Edition

    kate spadeIt’s Kate Spade shopping guide day (Alex said I could)! As an added bonus, today www.katespade.com is offering 30% off (code: SHINE). OMG. Just try and do yourself a favor and limit yourself to one gift for yourself…

     #1 Most Kate Spade items come with cute postcards that say “she is quick and curious and playful and strong”. I have one on my refrigerator. This 2016 17-month large agenda has that saying on the front, with Kate Spade details inside like gold foil dots.

     #2 The pave bridesmaid idiom bangle doesn’t have to be a bridesmaid gift. It actually just says girly friendship stuff, so it could be for any friend. I love it in rose gold!

    #3 They used to have the keds for kate spade new York glitter sneakers in rose gold, and I’m sad I didn’t snap them up. Still, they are adorable in black or white. They are covered with glitter and have ribbon laces. I’m pretty sure they couldn’t be more girly, and I’m okay with that.

    #4 For an inexpensive but luxurious gift, try these fluffy spots ankle socks in pink or grey. Classic Kate Spade polka dots!

    #5 Looking for a small wallet? This super cute gold polka dotted cedar street confetti dot darla is a good gift… okay, or maybe for yourself.

     #6 The last thing I have to point out is the cedar street iphone 6 wristlet. I personally don’t have the iphone 6, but how sweet is this wristlet that has the perfect space for your phone and slots for cards? That’s always my wristlet issue. I jam my phone in there then carefully slide my cards in. Then when I pull out my phone, all the cards and cash fall out. So not what I’m going for… ugh.

    Let me know if you buy anything! I can’t say if I’m buying any gifts… my friends read this! But I’m definitely thinking of buying the one in a million business card holder I mentioned in this post.

    ❤ Jillian

     

     

    Holiday Gift Guide- Girlfriend Edition

    gifts for your girlfriendsI am not one of those people that has to do one holiday at a time. I’m excited for Thanksgiving, but I also love Christmas shopping. I like to multi-task. Part of it is that I create my budget in January, and put aside 1/12 of the amount every month. I’ve been doing it this way for a few years and I LOVE it. I have zero anxiety about how I will afford Christmas gifts, and I also can start shopping whenever I want. Ideally this would be all year round to get the best deals, but the minimalist in me can’t handle storing gifts all year. I usually start in November. I love gift guides, so I’m going to do a series of them this year!

    Here are some ideas for your girlfriends, sisters, or anyone that likes girly things.

    #1 (luggage tag) and #4 (flask) Anne Taintor is one of my favorites, right up there with Kate Spade (oh, you know I’m serious now!). Here are a few great gift ideas- luggage tags and flasks. She also makes magnets, planners, and so much more.

    #2 You knew Kate Spade was going to come up. I think anything she makes is a great gift 🙂 But these business card holders are affordable and gorgeous- plus she’ll feel professional and put together when she pulls it out of her bag or pocket.

    #3 I love this gorgeous “Full Exposure” make-up pallet by Smashbox with all the neutral shades plus glittery ones. I don’t wear eyeshadow enough to justify purchasing this for myself, but I have a few friends that I know would love it.

    #5 You can’t tell me you have never been with your friend and drank your wine with ice cubes because no one remembered to chill it. Well, you can. But I will not believe you. You can fix all of that with a corkcicle from Give Simple (definitely check out the rest of their website, they have so many cool gifts). It’s a gift for her, and for you when you come over with wine!

    #6 My friend K and I can’t get enough of People Stylewatch. Is that bad to admit? If you haven’t seen it, it is similar to People, but has way less celebrity gossip (which I don’t have much interest in) and way more pretty clothes and bags. Maybe your friends are like us and get way too many magazines already, but if not, give her a subscription and she’ll think of you every month!

    #7 I love these double layer phones cases by DandyCase because they really protect your phone, but aren’t as bulky as something crazy like an Otter Box. They are also inexpensive, so it’s not too sad when it gets all banged up and you need a new one. Or, you can buy a few and change them out!

    I hope you have fun looking at pretty things to buy for your friends! My last tip for today- definitely check your local dollar store (this may be just a USA thing?) for all of your wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, et cetera. I LOVE shopping there for paper goods. In my mind, it’s the only way to go. They have a pretty good selection, and nothing is ever more than a dollar.

    Do you have any shopping tips for me, or any gift guides you would like to see? I’m working on hostess, the awful hunt for gifts for men, pet gifts, and silly stuff for gift exchanges.

    ❤ Jillian