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Football Bourbon Balls + Boozy Lemonade #FoodieFootballFans

Note: This post is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by the National Football League (NFL) or any of its teams. All opinions and views expressed on our blogs are our own, not that of the NFL and/or any of its 32 teams. Any team names, logos or other symbols referenced are properties of their respective organizations. We are just big fans — and we want to share our love for our teams, the game and the food that brings us all together on game day.


With the football season coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about Big Game parties and inevitably, the recipes you will make and bring to yours! In preparation, I’ve teamed up with my football blogger friends in one final collaboration to bring you some brilliant Big Game recipe ideas. We’ve made appetizers, entrees, desserts and even drinks. Prepare to be inspired, and be sure to check out their links below!



Football Bourbon Balls

I was initially going to make truffles. Then I had some rum balls at Christmas that I wanted to try to replicate. Then I thought: I can make them in the shape of footballs! I didn't go so far as to make royal icing and paint on the football laces, but I think they look like footballs. Fancy, delicious footballs. These are gluten-free for my Love, but you can use whatever kind of cookies you want!

And, if you follow my blog regularly, you probably know I'm on a Whole30 Adventure right now - that means no alcohol, no grains, and no sugar. So, no, I didn't get to try these. But I had very happy taste-testers who told me they were delicious.


Ingredients makes approximately 2 dozen
  • 1 C cookie crumbs (I used gluten-free chocolate chip cookies)
  • 1 C ground almonds
  • 1 C organic powdered sugar
  • 1 t ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 t ground ginger
  • 1/4 t espresso powder
  • 1/4 t ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 C bourbon
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • 1 T melted butter
  • 2 C chocolate chips (we prefer extra dark chocolate)
  • fleur de sel or other flake salt for sprinkling



Procedure
I created cookie crumbs in my food processor and measured out 1 C. In a bowl, whisk together ground cookies, ground almonds, powdered sugar, spices, espresso powder, and cocoa powder until well combined.



Stir in bourbon, maple syrup, and melted butter. Form into football shapes and place on a plate. Chill for an hour.


Melt chocolate chips over low heat on the top of a double boiler.


Stir until smooth. Remove from heat.


Using a toothpick, dip each football in melted chocolate.


Shake off the excess, place dipped football back on plate. Using another toothpick to cover the hole with a bit more chocolate. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Let chocolate set, approximately 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Serve immediately or store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Boozy Lemonade

Ingredients
  • 5 to 6 organic lemons + 1 more for garnishing
  • 2 C water
  • 1 C organic granulated sugar
  • 1 C booze of your choosing (I used bourbon)
  • ice and water
Procedure
Make a simple syrup by combining 1 C water and 1 C sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Swirl pan until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside and let cool.

Juice the lemons, except for the one you're using to garnish. Set aside. Thinly slice the garnish lemon.

In your serving pitcher, pour in the simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and bourbon. Add in ice and fill the pitcher with water. Stir well to combine. To serve, pour lemonade into individual glasses. Float lemon slices in each glass.

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