Irish Potato Candy

 "A cute little confection that looks just like little potatoes. This kind does not contain potatoes; they are made using cream cheese and coconut."  Original recipe yield: 5 dozen.

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Using your hands if necessary, mix in the coconut. Roll into balls or potato shapes, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll potatoes in cinnamon again for darker color.

Pioneer Potato Candy

 "The main ingredients for this old fashioned candy are mashed potato and confectioners' sugar. Salted peanuts can be substituted for shredded coconut for a different taste."  Original recipe yield: 2 dozen.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup mashed cooked potatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

In the top of a double boiler, heat chocolate, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
In a mixing bowl, combine the potato, salt and vanilla. Sift the confectioners sugar over potato, stirring and adding about 1 cup at a time. Mixture will liquefy when first sugar is added then gradually begin to thicken.
When it becomes the consistency of stiff dough, knead it even though not all the sugar has been added.
After kneading, cover with a damp cloth and chill until a small spoonful can be rolled into a ball. Shape in small 1/2 inch balls. Dip balls in melted chocolate then roll in peanuts or coconut.

Party Mixes

Christmas Snack Mix

 "This is so pretty in a decorative glass container to give to friends, sitters, paper boys, music teachers or co-workers during the holidays."  Original recipe yield: 32 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16 ounce) jar dry roasted peanuts
2 (14 ounce) packages red and green candy-coated chocolate
1 (14 ounce) package chocolate covered peanuts
1 (7 ounce) jar wheat nuts

DIRECTIONS:

Mix together the peanuts, red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces, red and green candy-coated chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate covered peanuts and wheat germ nut snacks.
Serve in a large bowl or place in decorative glass jars and give as gifts.