Potato candy is a charming, simple treat that hails from Appalachia, where resourcefulness was essential, especially during the Great Depression. This sweet candy was a clever way to use ingredients that were affordable and easy to store. The creamy, sugary center paired with peanut butter is a delicious combination, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Here’s the step-by-step guide to create this nostalgic dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 large russet potato (this will yield enough mashed potato to make the candy mixture)
- 6–8 cups powdered sugar (add gradually to achieve the right consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or you can substitute with maple syrup or even almond extract for different flavor notes)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on preference)
Instructions:
- Boil and Mash the Potato:
- Start by peeling and cutting your russet potato into smaller cubes (about 1-inch pieces). This will help the potato cook faster and more evenly.
- Place the potato cubes into a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 10–15 minutes or until the potato pieces are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the bowl. Mash the potatoes thoroughly until completely smooth, making sure there are no lumps. You can use a potato masher or a fork for this step.
- Incorporate Flavoring:
- Once your mashed potato is smooth, add the vanilla extract. You can also use maple syrup here for a more caramelized flavor or even almond extract for something a bit more floral.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavoring is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potato.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar:
- Slowly start adding the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, to the mashed potato mixture. After each addition, mix it in well. You may want to use a spoon or electric mixer for this step to make the sugar incorporate smoothly.
- As you add sugar, the mixture will thicken, and it will eventually form a dough-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer sticky to the touch and can hold its shape without being too soft.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar (to prevent the dough from sticking) and roll out the mixture into a thin sheet. The dough should be around ¼ inch thick. You can also place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to roll it out neatly.
- Make sure you don’t roll it too thin, as it will be difficult to handle when adding the peanut butter.
- Spread the Peanut Butter:
- Spread a generous layer of peanut butter (about 1 cup) evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be sure to cover the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges for easy rolling.
- The peanut butter can be either smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with flavored peanut butters for an extra twist, like honey peanut butter or even chocolate peanut butter.
- Roll It Up:
- Carefully start rolling the dough from one edge, making sure it’s tightly packed but not so tight that it tears.
- If you find the dough is sticking, dust it with a bit more powdered sugar. Continue rolling until you reach the end, ensuring the peanut butter is sealed inside the candy log.
- Chill and Slice:
- Wrap the rolled-up log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for allowing the candy to set and firm up, making it easier to slice into rounds.
- After the candy has chilled, slice it into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. You can cut it into smaller slices if preferred.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the slices on a serving platter and enjoy! This candy has a soft, sweet texture with a satisfying peanut butter filling.
Tips & Variations:
- Flavor Variations:
You can swap out the peanut butter for other nut butters (such as almond butter or cashew butter), or even add a layer of chocolate spread for a different flavor.
If you prefer a fruitier version, try spreading fruit preserves or jelly instead of peanut butter, like strawberry or grape jelly. - Texture:
If you want the candy to have more texture, consider mixing in some crushed nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough before rolling it out.
You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the candy a warm, spiced flavor. - Storage:
Store your potato candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage. When frozen, just let it thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Potato candy is a simple, yet delicious treat that brings a sense of history and comfort. Its versatility makes it a fun recipe to try, whether you’re sticking to the classic method or customizing it with your own spin!