chocolate bourbon caramel truffles

This weekend we saw the movie Lincoln. It was fantastic, even if it was a good fifty minutes over my ideal movie time.

I am kind of a history nerd.

Back in high school AP U.S. History class, when I wasn’t eye rolling over my boyfriend saying my new hairstyle made me look like Sigourney Weaver (he meant it as a compliment – all I could see was Alien), I was soaking up every detail about historical figures like President Lincoln.

One detail I always remember – Lincoln’s supposed great sense of humor.

This movie showcases that sense of humor and storytelling, among other things. Daniel Day-Lewis was excellent (when asked in an interview how he found Lincoln’s voice, he answered with “you don’t know what he sounded like either…”).

Seems he shares that humor.

There were several times through the movie when Jason and I turned to each other and smiled with the choices in actors – Sally Field as Mary Todd, Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens and an awesome James Spader in a delightful political operative role – I won’t say any more, but Spader has a great line when he first meets Lincoln, and Lincoln has a great response.

chocolate bourbon caramel truffles

inspired by Bourbon-Caramel Truffles

dairy, soy, and gluten free, vegan

makes 17-20 truffles 

6 large Medjool dates, pitted
3 tablespoons bourbon
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon vanilla paste
5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting 

In saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted Medjool dates with bourbon. As the dates warm, continually stir with bourbon and mash into a paste, adding water by the tablespoon as needed until a smooth paste forms. Reduce heat to low, add vanilla and chopped chocolate and stir until chocolate melts to a smooth consistency.

Let chocolate date mixture cool, transfer to covered container and refrigerate several hours to overnight. Once cool, spoon small amounts and roll into balls, just under one inch in size. Roll through cocoa powder, return to refrigerator to cool.

These truffles are incredibly decadent – rich chocolate and smooth date caramel with a perfect hint of bourbon. Sometime this week I will be making somewhere around eleventeen batches of these, to include with holiday gifts and cookie plates.

…and a batch for us to enjoy at the movies.

History fan?

Last great movie you saw?

Tagged as: bourbon truffles, Bulleit truffles, chocolate bourbon caramel truffles, decadent chocolate caramel truffles, holiday candy, vegan truffles