Quick and easy to make, these apricot-based bonbons are perfect for gifts or last-minute bake-sale contributions.

Makes about 2 dozen rum balls

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

10 ounces dried apricots (1 1/2 cups)
2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted (see Tip)
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup light or dark rum
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
3 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) chocolate

1. Combine apricots and hazelnuts in a food processor; pulse just until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in sugar, rum and orange zest. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, arranging them close together in rows on a baking sheet; set aside.
2. Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling, water. Remove the top pan from the heat and let stand for 1 minute to cool slightly. Dip a table knife into the melted chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the tops of the candies. (Alternatively, spoon the chocolate into a plastic sandwich bag and cut a tiny hole in one corner. Pipe the chocolate over the candies.) Refrigerate until the chocolate has set, at least 30 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per rum ball: 87 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 9 mg sodium; 170 mg potassium.
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 other carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

TIP: Tip: To toast hazelnuts: Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.