Valentine Treats
These are homemade buckeye candies: peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. They are named after the shiny, dark nuts of the Buckeye tree - the official state tree of Ohio.
Normally, buckeyes are not completely covered in chocolate, but left with the top undipped so that it resembles a buckeye nut. But it's Valentine's Day and I was feeling fancy.
After making the buckeyes, I melted some red colored Wilton melting chocolate in a decorating bag so that I could make my designs. The sprinkles were put on before the chocolate hardened after dipping, whereas on the others I waited to decorate with the red melted chocolate until after the chocolate hardened. Here is the recipe...Enjoy!
Buckeyes (makes about 3 dozen)
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.
Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.
Normally, buckeyes are not completely covered in chocolate, but left with the top undipped so that it resembles a buckeye nut. But it's Valentine's Day and I was feeling fancy.
After making the buckeyes, I melted some red colored Wilton melting chocolate in a decorating bag so that I could make my designs. The sprinkles were put on before the chocolate hardened after dipping, whereas on the others I waited to decorate with the red melted chocolate until after the chocolate hardened. Here is the recipe...Enjoy!
Buckeyes (makes about 3 dozen)
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.
Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.
Cindy, I had no idea that you blogged! Never mind that you are a foodie! I too blog - about my kiddos. I think I will link your blog to my page so I can check in on the latest and greatest things from your kitchen. I hope you are well. Wishing you all the best in 2011!!
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