Irish Potato Candy Recipes

IRISH POTATOES CANDY

Steps:

• NOTE: Be sure to use regular cream cheese, not whipped or reduced fat type.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
• Add vanilla and confectioners' sugar.
• Beat until mixture forms a ball.
• Stir in coconut with a spoon.
• Roll the mixture between your hands to form small potato-shaped candies or roll into small balls.
• Place cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll the balls in it.
• Place the balls on a cookie sheet and chill for about 1 hour or until firm.
• If you prefer "dirtier potatoes" roll the candy a second time after they have chilled.
• Alternatively dip in melted chocolate for Easter eggs.

IRISH POTATO CANDY

Steps:

• Combine mashed potatoes and vanilla.
• Adding one cup at a time, blend in enough confectioners' sugar to form stiff, non-sticky dough. (Just how much sugar is needed will depend on moisture of potatoes. Baked potatoes tend to be drier than boiled; leftovers tend to be drier than fresh.)
• Working with about 1 teaspoon of mixture for each candy, shape into small irregular spheres (like new potatoes) and set out on wax paper to dry slightly before coating.
• Toss candies a few at a time, in a plastic bag with ground cinnamon.
• Shake off excess cinnamon.
• Store candies in cool place or refrigerate.

COCONUT-FREE IRISH POTATOES CANDY

Steps:

• Place almonds in the bowl of a food processor; process until finely ground. Pour cinnamon into a rimmed plate.
• Mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until evenly blended. Place the bowl into a large pan filled with ice to help mixture stiffen; make sure butter mixture does not spill out of the bowl.
• Sift confectioners' sugar into the butter mixture. Add ground almonds and stir until combined. Let mixture rest on ice for 5 minutes.
• Roll mixture into 1/2-inch balls and roll in cinnamon until coated. Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.

MULDOWNEY'S IRISH POTATO CANDY

Steps:

• Place softened butter in a large bowl. Add confectioners' sugar, coconut, corn syrup, and vanilla extract; mix using your hands until combined. Knead until it holds together but is not too sticky, adding more sugar and coconut, if needed.
• Place cinnamon on a plate. Form the mixture into small, round balls and roll in the cinnamon until coated and they look like tiny potatoes.