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Potato Coconut Candy


This candy brings back many memories of years gone by. I was chatting with my friend last week and I know her Mom and mine made them every Christmas. I really enjoyed eating this candy together with peanuts. I would eat a few shelled peanuts and then I would take a bite of the candy. Candy was a special treat and so I tried to make it last as long as I could.
My Mom did not dip them in chocolate, just rolled them in coconut. I couldn't find her recipe so did the best of what I remembered and with the help of my friend I must say this candy tastes like I remembered. The extra dark chocolate coating helps balance the sweetness of the candy. I used potato flakes but I know my Mom did not have those around, she used regular mashed potatoes.
  • 1/2 cup potato flakes
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 3 cups coconut, flaked
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 10 ounces semi sweet dark chocolate, chopped (I used extra dark)
  1. Mix potato flakes, milk, icing sugar, coconut, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Roll into balls approx 3/4" in diameter, it will be sticky so you have to press and roll the dough in your hands as you form the balls. Place on cookie sheet and refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour.
  3. Melt chocolate. Dip rolled candy balls in the chocolate, using a fork to push the balls around in the chocolate to coat all around.
  4. Place on a parchment lined pan and put in refrigerator to firm up.
  5. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool place.
  6. Yield: 30
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11 comments:

  1. RosellaNovember 29, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Betty - these look and sound so delicious. I just saw a post on peppermint mashed potato squares that are similar to these. I think it's so interesting to use mashed potatoes to make candy! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jody GNovember 29, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Oh mashed potatoes --- could we substitute them? I am not sure potato flakes are able to be found gluten free.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 29, 2013 at 6:28 PM

      Jody - u can find gluten free potatoe flakes - not sure what brand I had bought so check them out.

      Delete
  3. BettyNovember 29, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Yes you can use mashed potatoes, just omit the 1/2 cup milk if using regular mashed potatoes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. BarbaraNovember 29, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Betty Crocker potato buds are gluten-free.

    ReplyDelete
  5. VeeNovember 29, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    Oh, Needhams! I love those things.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousNovember 29, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    What is icing sugar?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BettyNovember 30, 2013 at 6:25 AM

      Also known as confectioners sugar or powdered sugar.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousDecember 2, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BettyDecember 4, 2013 at 11:50 AM

      Either one works, whatever your preference is.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousDecember 16, 2013 at 4:49 AM

    I have been making these since I was a child. My variations: use more confectioners sugar for a stiffer center and pour it onto a buttered baking sheet. When set cut into squares and then dip into choc. I am lazy--don't want to make balls! Looks like a store-bought Needham, but so much better.

    ReplyDelete

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