Uncle Frank and Aunt Lucille were a kind, supportive, always there for you part of my childhood. At the age of 16 I lived with them for two years, until I graduated from high school.
Uncle Frank was a salt-of-the-earth -solid, quiet, caring, a real gentleman. On Valentine’s Day he brought all his daughters a rose, including me. My first rose. I was so very touched.
He was a real craftsman with his lathe and wood tools. I so appreciated a covered wood container he made for me. It was quality, like himself.
When Uncle Frank was at home on Green Street, he would make these delicious balls with bourbon in them and gave them away at Christmas every year. I’m so glad I asked him for the recipe. Here it is:
Uncle Franks
BOURBON BALLS
12 oz. box vanilla wafers, finely crushed 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. corn syrup
1/4 cup bourbon or rum
granulated sugar
Combine cookie crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa and walnuts. Mix well.
Stir in corn syrup and liquor and mix well with your hands.
Roll into 1" balls, then roll in confectioner’s sugar. Store in covered container.