Christmas Recipes for Potato Candy and Other Treats

Each family has its own traditions when it comes to the holiday menu. In case you want to change it up, here are a few simple recipes from my own.

Potato Candy

This is an old Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. As a child, I never knew it wasn't a normal holiday treat, yet when mentioned to my friends, no one believed me that it is delicious. The recipe is very simple and, in terms of cooking, involves only the boiling of a potato.

-1 small potato
-confectioner's (10x) sugar
-peanut butter
-melted chocolate (optional)

1.) Peel potato, cut it into small chunks, and boil.
2.) When soft enough to mash, drain water and mash in a medium-sized mixed bowl.
3.) Add confectioner's sugar and mix with potato until it takes the consistency of dough.
4.) Using a rolling pin, roll dough until ¼" or so thick.
5.) Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the dough, leaving ¼" on the sides for displacement.
6.) Using your hands, roll the dough into a log. When it is completely rolled up, slice from end to end.
7.) Optional: Dip end of each slice into melted chocolate and refrigerate.

**If you don't use the chocolate, there is no need to refrigerate the candy.

Rum Balls

Rum Balls are good for adult parties, as they do contain some alcohol (either rum or brandy). I've found multiple recipes through internet searches which include pecans and cocoa powder. Feel free to play around with ingredients until you get the taste you like.

-1 box Nilla wafers (crushed)
-1 lb. walnuts (crushed)
-¼ cup rum or brandy
-½ cup honey

1.) Combine all ingredients.
2.) Shape into balls.
3.) Roll in granulated sugar.

Peanut Butter Bars

A staple of my holiday cookies. My mother always makes these and they are beyond delicious. I'm usually not a fan of chocolate paired with peanut butter, but in this case, I make an exception.

-1 box 10x sugar
-1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
-1 ¼ cups peanut butter
-2 sticks melted butter
-12 oz. chocolate chips

1.) Mix first four ingredients together (all but chocolate) and press into cookie sheet or baking dish.
2.) Melt 12 oz. chocolate chips and spread on top.
3.) Refrigerate for 10 minutes, and then cut into squares.
4.) Refrigerate for ½ hour.

Butter Ball Cookies

These are one of my favorites because they are so simple. The flavoring is simple and not overpowering, and the balls themselves just melt in your mouth.

-1 cup (2 Tbsp.) butter
-½ cup confectioners (10x) sugar
-1 ½ cups sifted flour
-1 tsp. vanilla
-¾ cup finely chopped walnuts

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.) Beat butter with ½ cup confectioner's sugar until light and fluffy.
3.) Stir in flour, vanilla, and nuts. Blend to make stiff dough.
4.) Roll level teaspoon into a ball.
5.) Place 1" apart on greased cookie sheet.
6.) Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes until firm.
7.) Roll each in confectioner's sugar immediately.
8.) Roll again in confectioner's sugar after cool.