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Old-Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe: A Sweet Nostalgia
Potato candy might sound like an unusual treat, but this old-fashioned recipe has been delighting families for generations. It’s a delightful mix of simple ingredients that creates a surprisingly sweet and creamy candy, perfect for those with a love for nostalgic desserts. Here’s everything you need to know to recreate this classic confection in your own kitchen!
The Origins of Potato Candy
Potato candy dates back to the early 20th century when the Great Depression made people search for affordable alternatives to more expensive ingredients. Potatoes, which were plentiful and inexpensive, became an unlikely star ingredient in many recipes. Potato candy is one of those innovative creations that transformed a humble tuber into a delicious sweet treat. Though it’s not as well-known as other candies, it holds a place in many families’ recipe books as a unique, hearty candy perfect for special occasions or just an afternoon treat.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Potato Candy
Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to make this nostalgic candy:
- 1 medium-sized potato (peeled and boiled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or more, depending on taste)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder for coating (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potato Begin by boiling your potato. The potato will form the base of your candy, providing the right texture without much flavor. Peel and chop the potato into small chunks, then boil it until soft—about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potato thoroughly until there are no lumps.
Step 2: Mix the Potato with Vanilla Once the potato is mashed and smooth, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. The vanilla will enhance the sweetness and add a bit of warmth to the flavor profile.
Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar into the mashed potato. You might need to add it a little at a time to prevent a big mess. Stir until you achieve a dough-like consistency. The potato should absorb the sugar and form a thick, soft dough that holds together well.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Stir in the peanut butter until it’s fully combined. The peanut butter adds richness and a slight savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar. It’s this peanut butter-potato combo that makes the candy so delicious. If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
Step 5: Shape the Candy Once the mixture is ready, dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls or logs. The dough can be quite sticky, so be sure to coat your hands and workspace lightly with powdered sugar to help with shaping. Once formed, place the candy pieces on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 6: Optional Coating For extra sweetness, you can roll the candy in chocolate chips or cocoa powder. Melt the chocolate chips and dip each candy piece in the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper. If you prefer a simpler candy, rolling in cocoa powder works too for a more subtle chocolatey finish.
Step 7: Chill and Set Once all of the candies are shaped and optionally coated, place the tray in the refrigerator to chill for about 1 hour or until firm. This helps the candy set and gives it a more solid texture that’s perfect for enjoying.
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