Kentucky Derby-themed candy

Ingredients:

Bourbon Candies

• 3.5 cups vanilla wafer cookies (about 220 g), such as Nilla Wafers
• 1 and 1/4 cups pecan halves
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
• A pinch of coarse salt

Chocolate glaze

• 170 g chopped dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or cooking fat
• 25 pecan halves

Preparation:

1. In a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafer cookies and pecan halves until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, bourbon, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until the mixture is sticky and holds together when squeezed.
2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, form the mixture into 2.5 cm diameter balls (about 1 tablespoon each; 25 total). Roll each ball between your palms until smooth and firm. Refrigerate until the candies set slightly, about 10 minutes.
3. Chocolate glaze:
   
   Meanwhile, place the chocolate and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, about 1.5 minutes.
4. Using two forks, carefully drop each ball into the chocolate mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess chocolate drip off and return the candies to the baking sheet. Top with a pecan half. Refrigerate until the glaze sets, about 5 minutes.