What Shall We Make Today?

This is one of my favorite recipes from my grandmother.  When my dad was growing up, times were tough, and nothing got wasted.  Whenever there was some leftover mashed potatoes, too much to throw away, but not enough for anyone to have with another meal, my Grandmother would make potato candy.  Since it was a favorite of mine, when I got old enough, Grandma taught me how to make it.  You can always make potato candy with a freshly cooked potato though never fear—you can cook a potato just for this!  If you wish to go that route, peel and cook the potato, drain, and then mash with a little butter and milk—omit salt, pepper or anything else.  Cool completely.  (If you are using leftover mashed potatoes, allow them to come to room temperature.)

Potato Candy

Mashed potatoes at room temperature

Powdered sugar

Flour

Peanut butter

You’ll notice there are no specific amounts given for the ingredients, that’s because it all depends on the amount of mashed potatoes you start with.  A few tablespoons are more than enough to begin with.  You’ll need several cups of powdered sugar to start with.  You’re going to mix that with the potatoes to form a stiff dough.  I add a little sprinkling of flour to the dough to avoid adding more and more powdered sugar.  It will be very sweet.  Grab a piece of the potato “dough” and roll it out on a lightly floured board.* (Grandma taught me to use my hands to press it out rather than “dirty the rolling pin”.)  Thick or thin is a personal choice—I leave mine a little thicker.  Spread peanut butter on the dough (again, your preference as to how much peanut butter.) Roll up like a jelly roll and slice.  Repeat with the rest of the dough.  Chill.  This freezes for a long, long time.

The picture above shows one long roll, but I use smaller pieces of dough to make several rolls.  It’s much easier and less messy in my opinion, but the picture gives you an idea of what you’re shooting for. Enjoy!

*Some recipes call for the dough to be rolled out in powdered sugar, that would make it even sweeter, but that’s an option if you prefer.