BASIL BOURBON RECIPES

Steps:

• Beat butter and confectioners’ sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Stir in pecans, vanilla and bourbon. Using a 1/2-tablespoon (1/4-ounce scoop), scoop out balls. Place on parchment paper-lined tray.
• Freeze 15 minutes or until firm. Roll into smooth balls. Store in freezer until ready to dip into chocolate.
• Melt chocolate as directed on package. Remove 12 bourbon balls from freezer. Using a toothpick or fork, dip each ball into melted chocolate then immediately top with a pecan half. Place on parchment paper-lined tray. Freeze 5 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Repeat dipping with remaining bourbon balls. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
• Serve bourbon balls at room temperature.

Steps:

• Put the simple syrup, mint leaves and lemon wedges into a cocktail shaker and muddle them until the lemons are broken down. Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice; using a long cocktail spoon, stir vigorously until very cold.
• Fill a rocks glass with ice and use a fine strainer to strain the drink into the glass. Put the mint sprig in the palm of one hand and gently smack it with the fingers of your other hand (this releases the oils and fragrance). Garnish the drink with the sprig and serve.