Donkey Balls

Have you ever dreamed of eating donkey balls? Probably not. But on Hawaii’s Big Island, it’s a must-have experience. Don’t worry, it’s not what you think.

The Donkey Balls Factory and Store is a Big Island staple, paying homage to the destination’s “go local, made fresh” philosophy. Based on local legend, the crude-sounding store actually sells artisanal chocolates, made in-house from Guittard Chocolate. Best of all, visitors to the store can watch the candy being made through the clear glass factory room, as well as enjoy free samples of numerous varieties at the counter (if you don’t see the kind you want to try, just ask!).

Once upon a time, Kona Nightingale carried the freshly harvested macnuts (Macadamia nut) from the fertile volcanic hills. An uncracked Hawaiian macnut looks much like a ball. Men processing the macnuts would laugh and say ‘here come the Donkey Balls.’ And so began a tale of two balls.

Donkey Balls come in a wide variety of flavors, all with funny names, for example, “Blue Balls” (dark and white chocolate with blue coloring); “Dirty Balls” (milk or dark chocolate rolled in cocoa powder); “Salty Balls” (milk or dark chocolate dusted with sea salt); and “Flaming Balls” (milk or dark chocolate rolled in Cayenne pepper). They also sell a line of boar and monkey balls, with vegan products available.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or not, I highly recommend a stop at the Donkey Ball Factory and Store, even if just to peruse the fun items. Sauces, jams, honeys, coffees, and baked goods can also be purchased.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for “Donkey Balls” is a savory delight that combines creamy cheese, flavorful sausage, and buttery crescent rolls. It’s a perfect party snack, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. You’ll love the crispy exterior and the creamy, savory filling that will have everyone asking for more!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 packages crescent rolls (preferably buttery flavored)
• 16 oz cream cheese (avoid fat-free for best results)
• 1 package Jimmy Dean sausage (standard size)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 small fresh onion, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage with garlic powder and minced onion in a large skillet until browned and lightly crispy.
2. Drain the sausage but do not rinse.
3. Combine the room temperature cream cheese with the sausage mixture. No need to add salt and pepper due to the buttery flavor of the rolls.
4. Unroll the crescent rolls and cut each into halves to form triangles.
5. Place a teaspoon of the sausage mixture onto each crescent triangle, then wrap and seal to form a ball.
6. Place the balls on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, careful not to burn the bottoms. Note: some may require longer baking (up to 14 minutes) depending on size.
7. Allow to cool for 3 minutes. This recipe makes about 40-48 balls.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to easily blend with the sausage.
• Seal the crescent rolls well to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Monitor closely while baking to avoid burning.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like parsley for extra flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Please note that nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands and quantities used. Generally, each serving offers a balance of proteins and fats, with a satisfying dose of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture in advance and assemble the balls just before baking.
• Can I use other types of sausage? Certainly! Feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage variety.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered the delightful world of “Donkey Balls,” it’s time to give this recipe a try! Perfect for gatherings or a fun family snack, these savory treats are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you come up with. Enjoy!