Almond Joy Balls

When my friend Cassie came for a visit, we made a plan to see Toy Story 3 at the drive-in. In preparation for this (the long wait for the movie) we made Almond Joy Balls and $250 Neiman-Marcus Cookies to bring along. For those of you who have gone to a drive-in before, you know to get a good spot you have to get there SUPER early. We picked up pizzas on the way and had a great picnic while playing Mexican Train Domino's (a new favorite game).

Almond Joy Balls
4 c (8 1/2 0z) shredded coconut
1/4 c light corn syrup
1 package (11 1/2 oz) milk chocolate pieces
about 26 almonds

Line 2 large cookie sheets with tin foil or wax paper and set cooling racks on top.
Place coconut in large bowl.
Place corn syrup in a 1-c measuring glass and microwave on high for 1 minute or until syrup boils.
Immediately pour over coconut.
Work warm syrup into coconut using the back of a wooden spoon until the coconut is thoroughly coated. This will take awhile.

Using 1 level measuring tablespoon of coconut, shape into a ball by squeezing in one hand and rolling between both palms. Shape all balls before doing this - it's way less messy. Let dry for 10 minutes and re-roll to prevent loose ends.

Melt the chocolate pieces and shortening in the microwave. Quickly drop spoon fulls of chocolate over each ball, allowing the excess to drip on the foil or wax paper.

Top each ball with an almond.

Let stand to set or place in refrigerator. Best stored in an airtight container in fridge.

These might take a little extra time to make, but are totally worth it in the end!

EnJOY! :) Cookie post to come on Friday!