Use a food processor or blender to crush vanilla wafers and pecans into powder like mixture. Using a mixer or a food processor, combine vanilla wafers, pecans, corn syrup, rum, cocoa powder, coffee, and coconut extract. Coat hands with confectioners sugar and roll mixture into balls.

For a quick finish, roll balls in confectioners sugar.

For a nice candy like finish, melt chocolate chips of desired flavor and shortening together on low heat using a small sauce pan or a double boiler. If chocoate gets too thick, more shortening may need to be added. Gently roll balls in chocolate mixture and place on waxed paper or a greased glass dish to dry.

Rum balls should be refrigerated and last for approximately one month.