Maine Potato Candy: Prepare to be amazed by this delightful confection that tastes nothing like potatoes! Yes, you read that right. This sweet treat, a beloved staple in Maine, is a testament to culinary ingenuity and a clever way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Forget everything you think you know about potato-based desserts; this is a game-changer.
While the exact origins of Maine Potato Candy are shrouded in a bit of mystery, it’s believed to have emerged from thrifty home cooks looking for ways to utilize every last bit of their resources. Potatoes were, and still are, a significant crop in Maine, making them a readily available ingredient. The result? A surprisingly delicious candy that has been passed down through generations.
What makes this candy so irresistible? It’s the unique combination of textures and flavors. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth potato and powdered sugar center is perfectly complemented by a rich, chocolatey coating. It’s sweet, slightly dense, and utterly addictive. Plus, it’s relatively simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal baking time (if any, depending on your chocolate coating method!). Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience a taste of Maine with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooked and cooled, no lumps!)
- 1 (16 ounce) box powdered sugar (about 4 cups, sifted)
- 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening (Crisco or similar)
Preparing the Potato Mixture:
- First things first, make sure your mashed potatoes are completely cool. I usually cook them the day before and refrigerate them. This is crucial because warm potatoes will melt the powdered sugar and make the mixture too sticky. We want a nice, workable dough.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and salt until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this. If you don’t have either, a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick!
- Now, add the cooled mashed potatoes to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Don’t overmix, just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your candy. Trust me, you don’t want lumps! The mixture will become quite thick and dough-like. You might need to use your hands towards the end to fully incorporate the powdered sugar.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor that complements the potato and chocolate perfectly.
- At this point, the mixture should be firm enough to handle. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of milk or water, a teaspoon at a time. Remember, we’re aiming for a dough that’s easy to roll out.
Shaping the Candy:
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar. This will prevent the potato mixture from sticking.
- Divide the potato mixture in half. This makes it easier to work with.
- Roll out one half of the mixture into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to do this. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible so the candy bars will be uniform in size.
- Repeat with the other half of the potato mixture.
- Now, using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut each rectangle into strips about 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long. These will be your individual potato candy bars.
- Place the cut candy bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet and make them easier to remove after they’ve been dipped in chocolate.
- Place the baking sheet with the candy bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip in chocolate. You can even freeze them for a shorter amount of time if you’re in a hurry.
Melting the Chocolate:
- While the candy bars are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water), combine the chocolate chips and shortening.
- Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The shortening helps to thin the chocolate and gives it a nice, glossy finish.
- Remove the chocolate from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will prevent it from being too hot and melting the potato candy bars.
Dipping and Finishing:
- Remove the chilled potato candy bars from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or dipping tools, dip each candy bar into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it completely.
- Lift the candy bar out of the chocolate and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
- Place the dipped candy bar back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining candy bars.
- If you want to add any decorations, such as sprinkles or chopped nuts, do so immediately after dipping the candy bars in chocolate, before the chocolate sets.
- Place the baking sheet with the dipped candy bars back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Storage:
Once the chocolate is set, the Maine Potato Candy is ready to be enjoyed! Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days, but I doubt it will last that long!
Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint or almond, to add a unique flavor to your potato candy.
- Chocolate Options: Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Try chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sea salt, or even crushed peppermint candies.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Mashed Potato Consistency: The key to success is using smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes. If you have any lumps, be sure to mash them out thoroughly before adding the powdered sugar.
- Powdered Sugar Adjustment: The amount of powdered sugar needed may vary depending on the moisture content of your mashed potatoes. Start with the recommended amount and add more as needed until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Dipping Technique: For a smooth, even chocolate coating, try using dipping tools or a fork with thin tines.
Troubleshooting:
- Candy is too sticky: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches the right consistency.
- Candy is too dry: Add a tiny bit of milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to roll out.
- Chocolate is too thick: Add a little more shortening, a teaspoon at a time, until the chocolate is smooth and easy to dip.
- Chocolate is seizing: This can happen if the chocolate gets too hot or if water gets into it. Try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stirring vigorously. If that doesn’t work, you may need to start over with fresh chocolate.
Enjoy your homemade Maine Potato Candy! It’s a unique and delicious treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Conclusion:
This Maine Potato Candy recipe isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a little piece of New England history, a surprisingly delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for another piece before you even realize it. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center, contrasted by the rich chocolate coating, makes for an unforgettable candy experience. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves homemade candies, enjoys unique flavor combinations, or simply wants to impress their friends and family with something a little different.
But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond its historical charm and unique ingredient (yes, potatoes!), it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously! Don’t let the potato part scare you. The process is straightforward, and the results are far more rewarding than you might expect. It’s a fun project to tackle on a weekend afternoon, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is truly unmatched. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter! Imagine the look on people’s faces when you tell them the secret ingredient.
And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. While the classic chocolate coating is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your own taste. Try using dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier experience. You could even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. For a festive touch, consider adding crushed peppermint candies to the chocolate coating during the holidays. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg into the potato mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving suggestions are endless! These little candies are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make wonderful homemade gifts. Package them in a pretty box or tin, and you’ll have a thoughtful and unique present that anyone would appreciate. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a decadent dessert topping or use them to decorate cupcakes or cakes. The possibilities are truly limitless!
I truly believe that once you try this Maine Potato Candy recipe, it will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple, satisfying, and surprisingly addictive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Maine Potato Candy for yourself! Don’t be shy about sharing your creations! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s spread the word about this delicious and unique candy and keep this little piece of New England history alive! Happy candy-making!
Maine Potato Candy: A Sweet & Salty Delight You Need to Try
Sweet and creamy Maine Potato Candy, made with mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and dipped in rich chocolate. A unique and surprisingly delicious treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooked and cooled, no lumps!)
- 1 (16 ounce) box powdered sugar (about 4 cups, sifted)
- 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening (Crisco or similar)
Instructions
- Make sure your mashed potatoes are completely cool. I usually cook them the day before and refrigerate them. This is crucial because warm potatoes will melt the powdered sugar and make the mixture too sticky. We want a nice, workable dough.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and salt until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this. If you don’t have either, a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick!
- Add the cooled mashed potatoes to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Don’t overmix, just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your candy. Trust me, you don’t want lumps! The mixture will become quite thick and dough-like. You might need to use your hands towards the end to fully incorporate the powdered sugar.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor that complements the potato and chocolate perfectly.
- At this point, the mixture should be firm enough to handle. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of milk or water, a teaspoon at a time. Remember, we’re aiming for a dough that’s easy to roll out.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar. This will prevent the potato mixture from sticking.
- Divide the potato mixture in half. This makes it easier to work with.
- Roll out one half of the mixture into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to do this. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible so the candy bars will be uniform in size.
- Repeat with the other half of the potato mixture.
- Now, using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut each rectangle into strips about 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long. These will be your individual potato candy bars.
- Place the cut candy bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet and make them easier to remove after they’ve been dipped in chocolate.
- Place the baking sheet with the candy bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip in chocolate. You can even freeze them for a shorter amount of time if you’re in a hurry.
- While the candy bars are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water), combine the chocolate chips and shortening.
- Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The shortening helps to thin the chocolate and gives it a nice, glossy finish.
- Remove the chocolate from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will prevent it from being too hot and melting the potato candy bars.
- Remove the chilled potato candy bars from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or dipping tools, dip each candy bar into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it completely.
- Lift the candy bar out of the chocolate and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
- Place the dipped candy bar back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining candy bars.
- If you want to add any decorations, such as sprinkles or chopped nuts, do so immediately after dipping the candy bars in chocolate, before the chocolate sets.
- Place the baking sheet with the dipped candy bars back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint or almond, to add a unique flavor to your potato candy.
- Chocolate Options: Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Try chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sea salt, or even crushed peppermint candies.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Mashed Potato Consistency: The key to success is using smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes. If you have any lumps, be sure to mash them out thoroughly before adding the powdered sugar.
- Powdered Sugar Adjustment: The amount of powdered sugar needed may vary depending on the moisture content of your mashed potatoes. Start with the recommended amount and add more as needed until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Dipping Technique: For a smooth, even chocolate coating, try using dipping tools or a fork with thin tines.
- Candy is too sticky: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches the right consistency.
- Candy is too dry: Add a tiny bit of milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to roll out.
- Chocolate is too thick: Add a little more shortening, a teaspoon at a time, until the chocolate is smooth and easy to dip.
- Chocolate is seizing: This can happen if the chocolate gets too hot or if water gets into it. Try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stirring vigorously. If that doesn’t work, you may need to start over with fresh chocolate.
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