Holiday Memories from Gemma Halliday

My great-great-grandfather was also a writer, though his poetry was more written for him and his loved ones than for publication. One of my favorite of his poems is called "Liquor Lengthens Life", an ode to rum. In honor of him and our Halliday family traditions, here is his poem, along with my take on Holiday Rum Balls

Liquor Lengthens Life

The Horse and Mule live thirty years,
And know nothing of wines and beers.
The Goat and Sheep at twenty die
And never taste of Scotch or Rye.


The Cows drink water by the Ton,
And at eighteen are mostly done.
The Dog at fifteen cashes in,
Without the aid of Rum or Gin.


The Cat in Milk and Water soaks,
And then at twelve short years it croaks.
The modest, sober bone dry Hen
Lays eggs for Men then dies at ten.


All Animals are strictly dry.
They sinless live and swiftly die.
But sinful, Ginful, Rum Soaked Men
They live for three score years and Ten.


˜ William Halliday


Halliday Holiday Rum Balls


1 package of crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup light rum
3 tablespoons light corn syrup


In a large bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped nuts, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and cocoa. Mix in rum and corn syrup. Shape dough into 1 inch balls, then roll in the remaining confectioners' sugar. For super flavor, store the rum balls in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days, then roll them again in confectioners' sugar before serving.