I enjoy the flavor of bourbon in cooking. Beyond the usual bourbon balls, here are a few favorite recipes you might like to try. Some are particularly good for the holidays.
Thanksgiving Pudding:
4 egg yolks
2 eggs
1½ cups sugar
1½ cups pecans
1½ cups currants
1½ cups crushed lemon wafers
1½ tablespoons vanilla
1½ tablespoons butter, melted
5 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
Beat eggs until light; add sugar and beat; add butter, lemon wafers, vanilla, and bourbon. Next add currants and nuts. Mix well and cook in a greased pan lined with greased wax paper or parchment paper. Cook one hour at 325° degrees. The pudding will be done when a crust forms on top. Serve cold with whipped cream or top with a hot bourbon sauce.
Candied Sweet Potatoes:
6 large sweet potatoes
salt
paprika
¾ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon rind
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
2½ tablespoons bourbon
Peel potatoes and cook in boiling water in a covered pan until almost tender (approximately an hour). Cut them lengthwise in ½ inch slices and place in a shallow greased baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and paprika, brown sugar, lemon rind and lemon juice. Dot with the butter and bake uncovered in a 375° oven for 20 minutes. The last 5-10 minutes pour the bourbon over the potatoes. Baste frequently while cooking. Serves approximately 6-8. Good with ham, pork or duck as well as turkey.
Bourbon Chocolate Mousse:
½ lb. sweet baking chocolate
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
8 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons bourbon
Melt chocolate in the top of a double-boiler. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan until syrupy. Slowly pour the heated chocolate into the syrup in a steady stream, beating constantly. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Remove from heat and add the bourbon. Cool. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into the chocolate mixture. Spoon into an 8-cup souffle dish or individual dishes and chill overnight. Serves 8.
Bourbon Flamed Bananas:
Slice 8 bananas in half lengthwise. Put them in a baking dish to which 2 tablespoons melted butter has already been added. Place in a 300° oven for 15 minutes. Remove and cover the bananas with light brown sugar and sprinkle with the juice of one lemon. Put back into the oven for 15 minutes to melt the sugar and to brown them. Remove and pour ½ cup bourbon over the bananas. Light at the table.
These recipes are decadent, delightful and special for the holidays. Enjoy!