Rum ball

Rum ball is a type of confectionery traditionally made from a mixture of crushed biscuits, cocoa powder, condensed milk, coconut and rum. They are roughly the size of a golf ball and are often coated in chocolate sprinkles or desiccated coconut.

History

The exact origins of the rum ball are unclear, but they are believed to have been created in the mid-20th century. They are popular in many countries, particularly during the Christmas season.

Ingredients and Preparation

Rum balls are made by combining crushed biscuits or cake crumbs with cocoa powder, condensed milk and rum. The mixture is then shaped into balls and rolled in chocolate sprinkles or desiccated coconut. Some variations may include nuts, dried fruit, or different types of alcohol.

The rum in rum balls not only adds flavor, but also acts as a preservative, allowing the confections to be stored for several weeks. The alcohol content can vary depending on the amount of rum used in the recipe.

Variations

There are many variations of rum balls around the world. In Germany, they are known as Rumkugeln and are often made with marzipan. In Hungary, a similar dessert called Szaloncukor is popular during the Christmas season. In Australia and New Zealand, rum balls are a popular treat at Christmas and are often made with Weet-Bix biscuits.

See Also

• List of desserts
• List of rum producers
• Christmas food