Bourbon Pecan Sables
These cookies are a very simple way to impress. The flavors are traditional and the recipe is a simple and straightforward cookie dough. Most likely, if you’re a drinker, you can even make a batch of these without heading to the store for supplies; perfect in a pinch.
But let’s pretend you’re not a lush and you need to go buy that bottle of bourbon…
Bourbon is an American Whiskey usually distilled from corn. The alcohol, which distills clearly, is aged in new, but charred, oak barrels; this imparts most of the flavor and color commonly found in bourbon. Charring the barrel caramelizes many of the sugars left in the wood after harvesting, which slowly diffuse into the alcohol as it ages. The length of the aging process ranges depending on the manufacturer, but some age as long as 20 or more years and pick up a rich golden color and strong flavors.
The amount of bourbon called for in this particular recipe is very small so it’s worth investing in something you will enjoy drinking. One that I’ve come to favor over the years for its consistency, flavor and price point is Woodford Reserve. A 750ml bottle will run between $25-$30. It’s nose is oaky with pronounced vanilla and fruit. The palate is full of strong oak and spice, slightly astringent but overall quite smooth at the right temperature. The finish is very long with hints of chocolate, honey and slight vanilla. Woodford mixes well but is perfectly fine neat or with a few ice cubes. I prefer it neat and slightly cooler than room temperature.
Check out the recipe here. Since there are only a few ingredients be sure to invest in good butter and flour. Stick closely to the process and your hard work will be rewarded.
