Easy Potato Candy

Potato Candy: A Unique and Sweet Appalachian Treat

Potato Candy is a delightful confection that combines the unexpected ingredient of potato with sweet powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter. This old-fashioned recipe hails from the Appalachian region and offers a surprising blend of flavours and textures that’s both nostalgic and delicious. The potato acts as a binder and gives the candy a smooth texture, while the peanut butter adds a familiar, comforting taste.

Sweet, Creamy, and Wonderfully Unique

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy trying traditional desserts with a twist. The process of making Potato Candy is straightforward but provides a hands-on experience that’s both fun and rewarding. The end result is a beautifully swirled candy that looks as good as it tastes.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Potato Candy

1. Proper Potato Prep: Ensure the potato is well-cooked and mashed to a smooth consistency without any lumps, which could affect the texture of your candy.
2. Sugar Adjustment: Start with four cups of powdered sugar and add more as needed to achieve a dough-like consistency that is easy to handle and roll out.
3. Rolling the Dough: Use plenty of powdered sugar on your rolling surface to prevent sticking. Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform candy slices.
4. Spreading Peanut Butter: Apply a thin layer of peanut butter evenly across the dough. If the peanut butter is too thick, it can be slightly warmed to make spreading easier.
5. Chilling is Key: Chill the candy log thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts and to maintain the candy’s shape.
6. Serving and Storage: Serve chilled for the best texture and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Potato Candy Recipe:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes (for boiling the potato)
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Serving: Makes about 20-30 slices
• Equipment: Pot, mixing bowl, rolling pin, plastic wrap

A unique treat that’s sure to start conversations and please the palate.

Ingredients:

• 1 small potato (about the size of a large egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions:

1. Cook and Mash Potato: Boil the potato until tender. Mash thoroughly with no milk or butter added. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until it reaches a dough-like consistency that’s firm enough to roll out. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed.
3. Roll Out Dough: On a surface liberally dusted with powdered sugar, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Add Peanut Butter Layer: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter evenly over the dough.
5. Form the Log: Carefully roll the dough into a log, using powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
6. Chill: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
7. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the log into rounds. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy Your Creation

This Potato Candy is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of traditional cooking. It’s a sweet treat that’s not only a conversation starter but also a delicious link to culinary history.

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