Grandma Shufelt's Delightful Potato Candy
Experience a taste of nostalgia with this delightful Potato Candy, a beloved holiday treat from the Shufelt family. Passed down from my Grandma Shufelt to Aunt Claris, this rich confection was cherished as a Christmas staple, lovingly crafted only once a year. When I surprised Dad with this recipe after Aunt Claris' passing, it brought back fond memories and warm smiles. Now it's my turn to share this 'secret' recipe with you, so you can create delicious memories of your own. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, wrapped in luscious chocolate, making it a delightful addition to any festive gathering or as a sweet indulgence any time of year.
36
Servings
140
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium potatoes
3 (cooked and mashed)
shredded coconut
1 cup (none)
chopped nuts
1 cup (your choice (e.g., peanuts, walnuts, or pecans))
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
3 lbs (none)
dipping chocolate
to taste (melted (preferably dark chocolate))
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the medium potatoes into chunks. Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender, then drain and mash them while still warm.
2
In a large mixing bowl, blend the warm mashed potatoes with the powdered sugar until well incorporated. The heat from the potatoes will help dissolve the sugar.
3
Stir in the shredded coconut and your choice of chopped nuts, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed.
4
Add the vanilla extract and mix again until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
5
Shape the mixture into small balls or desired shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Let them cool for at least 1-2 hours to set.
6
In a double boiler, melt the dipping chocolate over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat.
7
Using a toothpick, carefully dip each potato candy shape into the melted chocolate to coat. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, and then place the coated candies back onto the lined baking sheet.
8
Once all candies are dipped, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set. Store the finished candies in a cool place.
Nutrition Information
5.3g
Fat
20.4g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
17.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Shufelt's Delightful Potato Candy?
It is a nostalgic holiday treat made with mashed potatoes, sugar, coconut, and nuts, then dipped in chocolate, passed down through the Shufelt family.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 36 servings.
What are the main ingredients for potato candy?
The main ingredients are medium potatoes, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and dipping chocolate.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 medium potatoes, which should be cooked and mashed.
Why are the potatoes mashed while warm?
Mashing and mixing the potatoes while warm helps dissolve the large amount of powdered sugar into the mixture.
How much powdered sugar is required?
This recipe requires 3 lbs of powdered sugar.
What kind of nuts can be used in this candy?
You can use your choice of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
Does the recipe contain coconut?
Yes, it contains 1 cup of shredded coconut.
How do you shape the potato candy?
The mixture is shaped into small balls or any other desired shapes before cooling.
How long should the candy set before dipping in chocolate?
The shaped candies should cool on a lined baking sheet for at least 1 to 2 hours to set.
What is the best way to melt the dipping chocolate?
The chocolate should be melted in a double boiler over low heat to ensure it doesn't burn.
What type of chocolate is recommended for dipping?
Dark chocolate is the preferred choice for dipping these potato candies.
How do you coat the candy in chocolate?
Use a toothpick to carefully dip each potato candy shape into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off.
How long do the candies need to refrigerate after dipping?
They should be refrigerated for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set.
Where should the finished candies be stored?
The finished potato candies should be stored in a cool place.
How many calories are in one serving of potato candy?
Each serving contains 140 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 5.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 20.4g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much sugar is in one piece of candy?
There is 17.5g of sugar per serving.
Is there protein in potato candy?
Yes, each serving provides 1.5g of protein.
Is this a traditional Christmas recipe?
Yes, it was a cherished Christmas staple in the Shufelt family, often made only once a year.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
Does the recipe use vanilla?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The candy offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a rich chocolate coating.
What is the history of this recipe?
It was passed down from Grandma Shufelt to Aunt Claris and eventually shared to preserve family memories.
Is the potato flavor strong in the candy?
No, the potatoes act more as a binder for the sugar, coconut, and nuts, creating a sweet confection.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol in the recipe?
The provided nutritional information indicates null values for sodium and cholesterol.
Is the chocolate dipping amount specific?
The amount of dipping chocolate is listed as 'to taste', allowing for personal preference.
Can I use any type of potato?
The recipe specifies 3 medium potatoes, generally standard boiling or mashing potatoes like Russets work well.