Ohio Buckeyes: A Tree, a Football Team and a Recipe

Anyone who has ever been to the state of Ohio knows just how proud they are to be Buckeyes. Although the precise origin of the nickname is not known, Ohioans have been referring to themselves as Buckeyes since Ohioan William Henry Harrison won the presidency in 1840, and maybe earlier. The Buckeye tree is the official state tree of Ohio and is commonly found growing along riverbeds and other wet areas. The Ohio State University mascot is Brutus Buckeye, and everywhere you go, you'll find Buckeye paraphernalia and souvenirs.

So, just what is a Buckeye, anyway? Aesculus glabra is the scientific name of the Ohio Buckeye tree, which gets its common name from the resemblance of its nuts to a deer's eye. Buckeye nuts are poisonous to humans and many other animals, including horses and cattle.

Ohioans love their Buckeyes, though, and since they can't eat the real thing, at some point a delicious candy incarnation of the Buckeye was born. Recipes for Buckeye candy date back as far as 1877, although the candy that most Ohioans know and love is a more recent invention, probably dating back to the mid-1900s.

So, what is Buckeye candy, then? Basically, a Buckeye is peanut butter dough or fondant, shaped into a ball and dipped in chocolate to resemble a Buckeye nut. However, every Ohioan has their own special recipe for Buckeyes - and the debate about whose Buckeyes are the best or most authentic is as hotly contested as the 2000 presidential election. As the daughter of two Ohioans, I of course believe that my mother's recipe is the best! Here it is - including her preference for brands of peanut butter and chocolate. She takes her Buckeye making seriously!

2 1/2 lbs. powdered sugar
1 lb. margarine or butter (Fleischmann's margarine is best)
3 t. vanilla extract
2 c. creamy peanut butter (Jiff is best)
3 12 oz. packages chocolate chips (Nestle semi-sweet are best)

With an electric mixer, cream together butter, peanut butter and vanilla, then beat in powdered sugar until thoroughly combined. Roll peanut butter mixture into 1 inch balls and place on waxed paper lined cookie sheets, then chill for one hour in the freezer. Melt chocolate over in a double boiler or microwave. Using a toothpick, dip peanut butter balls into chocolate, leaving a bit of peanut butter showing. Allow Buckeyes to cool on waxed paper until chocolate sets. Bon appétit!

Sources:

http://www.foodtimeline.org/statefoods.html#buckeyecandy

http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1880