Serious Rum Balls

Serious Rum Balls Recipe: Australian Sweet Treat

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 20 balls

Introduction

Serious Rum Balls are a delicious and boozy treat that are perfect for adult gatherings or parties. These bite-sized balls are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good rum-infused dessert.

History

Rum balls have been a popular treat for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The combination of rum, cocoa, and coconut creates a rich and indulgent flavor that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients

10 Weet-Bix (approximately 150 g of dry low-sugar grain breakfast cereal)
395 g can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
0.33 cup desiccated coconut
Extra desiccated coconut for coating
0.33 cup sultanas
400 ml dark rum (i.e. this recipe is not for children)

How to prepare

Soak Sultanas in rum for 4–8 hours.
Crush Weet-Bix cereal to a size similar to peas.
Add the rum and Sultanas mixture. The result should be quite moist.
Stir thoroughly and refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
Form the mixture into ping-pong ball sized balls.
Roll the balls in extra coconut.
Freeze until it is time to serve.
Each ball is approximately 0.33 to 0.5 of a "standard drink", so put a warning on the container and keep it out of reach of children.

Options

Scale the recipe up according to how much rum you have. Feel free to use the whole 1.25 liter duty-free bottle, which makes 100 balls!
Add nuts or other similar ingredients. Crush them.
Experiment with other spirits such as brandy or whisky.
Try using different cereals. How about corn flakes and tequila for a Mexican version?

Variations

Add nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different types of alcohol, such as brandy or whisky, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Try using different cereals, such as corn flakes or rice bubbles, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the sultanas in rum for at least 4 hours to allow them to absorb the flavor.

- Refrigerating the mixture before forming the balls will help them hold their shape better.

- Rolling the balls in extra coconut adds a nice finishing touch and helps to prevent them from sticking together.

- Be sure to label the container with a warning about the alcohol content to keep them out of reach of children.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Serious Rum Balls as a dessert at a party or gathering, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair well with a glass of rum or a cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Serious Rum Balls is to ensure that the mixture is well combined and moist before forming the balls. Refrigerating the mixture before rolling it into balls will help them hold their shape better.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Weet-Bix cereal, you can use any other type of low-sugar breakfast cereal. You can also substitute the rum with another type of alcohol, such as brandy or whisky.

Make Ahead Tips

Serious Rum Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until ready to serve. Simply remove them from the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Serious Rum Balls on a platter with a sprinkle of extra coconut for a festive touch. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Serious Rum Balls pair well with a glass of rum or a cup of coffee. They also go well with other sweet treats, such as chocolate truffles or cookies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Serious Rum Balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw slightly before serving, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Serious Rum Balls contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Serious Rum Balls contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Serious Rum Balls contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Serious Rum Balls contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Serious Rum Balls are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Serious Rum Balls contain gluten from the Weet-Bix cereal. They may also contain traces of nuts if added as an option.

Summary

Serious Rum Balls are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and alcohol content.

Summary

Serious Rum Balls are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for adult gatherings or parties. With a rich and boozy flavor, these bite-sized balls are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good rum-infused dessert. Enjoy them in moderation and be sure to label them appropriately to keep them out of reach of children.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Serious Rum Balls. It was a cold winter's day, and I was visiting my dear friend Emily. She had invited me over for a cozy afternoon of chatting and baking, and I was excited to see what new recipe she had in store for us.

As soon as I walked into Emily's warm and inviting kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet and spicy smell of rum wafting through the air. I knew right away that we were in for a treat. Emily had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection.

"This, my dear, is my infamous recipe for Serious Rum Balls," she said with a grin. "They are not for the faint of heart, but I know you can handle it."

I eagerly watched as Emily gathered the ingredients and began to explain the process to me. The recipe called for a generous amount of dark rum, which would give the balls their rich and boozy flavor. It also included a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which would add a depth and complexity to the sweet treat.

As we mixed the ingredients together, I listened intently to Emily's stories about how she had first discovered the recipe. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a beloved family tradition, and Emily had added her own twist to make it even more special.

I was fascinated by the history behind the recipe and the way it had been passed down from one generation to the next. It made me realize the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting memories with loved ones.

As we rolled the mixture into small balls and coated them in powdered sugar, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. Emily popped one into her mouth with a satisfied sigh, and I eagerly followed suit. The rum balls were rich, decadent, and oh-so-delicious. The flavors of rum and spices danced on my tongue, warming me from the inside out.

From that day on, Serious Rum Balls became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for special occasions, holidays, and just because. Each time I whipped up a batch, I thought of Emily and the wonderful memories we had shared in her kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different variations. I tried using different types of rum, playing around with the spice ratios, and even incorporating nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.

But no matter how I changed the recipe, the essence of Serious Rum Balls remained the same. They were a labor of love, a tribute to the tradition and history behind the recipe, and a delicious reminder of the bond I shared with my dear friend.

As I sit here now, with a plate of freshly made rum balls in front of me, I can't help but smile as I think back on that cold winter's day with Emily. The recipe may have come from her, but it has become a part of me, a cherished piece of my culinary journey.

So here's to Serious Rum Balls, a recipe that has brought me joy, laughter, and countless memories. And here's to Emily, the friend who introduced me to them and forever changed the way I look at baking. Cheers!