Easy No Bake Christmas Candy

Christmas candy is traditional and for many it's an art form to find new candy to share. Hard candy that is shoved to the bulk bins becomes popular, old recipes are gone through and new favorites come to light.

Chocolate pretzels are very easy to make simply melting chocolate and dipping pretzel sticks or twists into the chocolate. Another yummy treat that is easy - while you are melting chocolate - is use a toothpick and dip mini marshmallows in the chocolate then set on waxed paper. You can also after dipping dip them in sprinkles or chopped nuts or just plain chocolate. These are very easy to make and good to eat too.

Looking for a "new" way to use up mashed potatoes? Make candy! Combine about ¼ cup mashed potatoes with a box of powdered sugar, mixing in gradually until it forms a soft dough. Add and mix in a teaspoon of vanilla then divide the dough into four pieces. Use waxed paper and roll until about 1/8 inch thick and gently spread the peanut butter on each one. Roll up each one like a jelly roll, refrigerate overnight and cut into pieces. Don't tell them they're eating leftover potatoes - they'll never guess! You could also probably make some with jelly but I haven't tried that.

Buckeyes are a favorite for many and not just at Christmas! Soften 4 tablespoons butter and combine with a cup smooth peanut butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and a teaspoon vanilla. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter is formed, and use a teaspoon to make quarter sized balls, placing on a cookie sheet. Place in the refrigerator to chill and while that is happening melt a cup of chocolate. I prefer the milk chocolate but dark chocolate is good too. When chocolate is melted take the peanut butter balls out and, using a toothpick dip in chocolate leaving a spot at the top uncovered. These get their name from an appearance like a buckeye. Work quickly to dip all of the candies and return to the refrigerator.

If you plan to give these as gifts package them up right away and store in the refrigerator. This is important because unpackaged buckeyes have a tendency to disappear from the refrigerator if allowed to be unpackaged. Entire pans of them migrate a half dozen at a time and are never seen again!

These are both great no bake recipes that can be a family activity to make.