Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable (103 page)

Yield:

About 24 peanut-butter balls

Storage:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Variation:

Buckeyes

In Ohio—also known as the “Buckeye State”—peanut butter balls are left partially un-dipped so that they resemble buckeye nuts.

General Description:

Potatoes are an unlikely ingredient for candy, but these potato pinwheels prove the versatility of the spud
. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes makes them a great base for soft candy, and their mild taste easily adapts to added flavors. The mashed potato is combined with confectioners’ sugar to create a sweet dough, which is spread with peanut butter and rolled up into a luscious pinwheel.

History:

Potato candy was most popular in Northeast America and Canada during the early 1900s. The humble ingredients and easy recipe indicate that it may have been developed to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Cookbooks often call potato pinwheels
after-dinner candy
.

Serving Suggestions:

Make pinwheels with leftover mashed potatoes that aren’t seasoned. A common variation is to add 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut to the potato dough. Serve pinwheels at picnics and holiday gatherings.

Candy-Making Notes:

When you add the confectioners’ sugar to the potato, it may appear to liquefy. Keep mixing and the dough will come together. Add more confectioners’ sugar if it seems too soft or is difficult to roll out.

Recipe:

1.
Using a stand mixer or food processor, combine the potato pieces until thoroughly mashed.

2.
Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.

3.
Add confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

4.
Turn out dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Press it into a flat disk, wrap the plastic wrap around it tightly, and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

5.
Place a sheet of wax paper on the counter. Roll out the dough to form a square about ¼ inch thick. Spread peanut butter on top of the square.

6.
Using the waxed paper to guide the candy, roll it like a jelly roll. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

7.
Slice into ½-inch rounds to serve.

Yield:

About 30 pinwheels

Storage:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Variation:

Needhams

In Maine, local potato candies are called
Needhams
. Add 1 cup shredded coconut to the dough in step 3. Spread the dough on a buttered 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Chill until firm and cut into squares. Melt and
temper a pound of bittersweet chocolate
, then dip the squares in the chocolate.