Jenn's Journal - Third Annual Cookie Recipe Contest

Ok - never mind that I haven't posted a blog since January. This has become one of my rituals for Christmas - participating in the Jenn's Journal Virtual Cookie Exchange Recipe Swap Contest.....or whatever it's called!

Yes, I know I am going to have to advertise for anyone to even know this blog is here. Drop it! LOL I will do what I have to do.

For my entry this year, I have chosen something that was a fond memory from my childhood. I can remember my mother making these - especially at Easter time. And that little morsel of sweetness and coconut, crumbled in your mouth, every bite delicate and tender.

What is it? POTATO CANDY. Stay with me. It's very versatile and you can do a lot of different things with it.

Here is the basic recipe:

1/2 cup of cooked hot mashed potatoes
2 tsp of butter, softened
4-5 cups of confectioner's sugar (icing sugar)
dash of salt
2-3 cups of coconut
1 tsp. vanilla

With a mixer, combine the hot mashed potatoes, salt, vanilla and the butter. Slowly add 1 cup at a time, the confectioner's sugar until a stiff batter is formed. Mix in by hand the coconut. Roll into balls or form into logs. Dip in melted chocolate, if desired. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

***Note - add peppermint extract for a "Christmas" candy.

There are also variations that have you leave out the coconut, and rolled the "fondant" into a rectagular shape, spread with peanut butter, roll up and cut into slices for Potato Pinwheels.

You can also omit the coconut, roll the mixture into balls, tint the coconut with food coloring (red or green for Christmas) and make coconut balls.

You can even find Potato Fudge recipes and truly, the fudge is so good!

I hope some of you will try this recipe and have fun with it.

For links to more delicious recipes: http://www.jennsjournal.net/