Kentucky vs. Ohio State, the Basketball Game & Battle of the Famous Candies!

So tonight is the basketball battle of the nation: the Kentucky Wildcats vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes! My team is Kentucky of course. But this game got me thinking about some famous candy recipes from the two states.  These candy recipes will yield great treats for your guests who are visiting your home to watch the game.

These 2 candies are normally friends on a serving plate, but tonight it will be a battle! On left, Kentucky Bourbon Balls & right are buckeyes)

Depending on your team preference, that will determine which candy you go with.  My family is making the official Kentucky Bourbon Balls. This smooth, delicious and authentic Kentucky candy will be great for munching on during timeouts. The candy is your choice, but regardless of your bourbon ball or buckeye selection, I can assure your guest will be asking for more! Here are the recipes for chocolaty goodness!

The official Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
1 cup chopped nuts
5 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon (must be a Kentucky bourbon, such as Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, etc)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
18 ounces semisweet chocolate

Directions
Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts. Seal and allow to soak overnight.
Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked nuts. Form into 3/4" balls and refrigerate overnight.
Line a tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Store in refrigerator until serving.  Yields 24 balls.


Ohio State Buckeyes candy recipe


Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Directions
Combine the melted butter or margarine, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and the vanilla together and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on waxed paper.
In the top half of a double boiler melt the chocolate chips and shortening, stirring constantly. Use a toothpick to dip balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a small uncovered area so balls resemble buckeyes. Place balls on waxed paper. Use fingers to blend in toothpick holes. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Yields 3 dozen.


Good luck with your candy making. And good luck to your team (Go CATS). I hear nothing makes a party smile like good chocolate and nothing cures a broken heart like chocolate. So regardless of how your team does, the chocolate will be there to make everything better!

Lexington KY is always #1 in my book! Whether you want to buy a downtown condo, a custom walkout ranch on a golf course, or a horse farm in the country, I can help find the perfect home for you – as well as help you sell your home. In addition to Lexington Real Estate, I specialize in the nearby towns of Paris, Midway, Georgetown, and Versailles.

Post a Comment