Buckeye’s

These peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate get their name from their resemblance to the nut of the buckeye tree.  And being from Ohio, the buckeye state, these are always a holiday favorite.  My mom made these every Christmas, and they seemed to last for a month afterwards as well.  She made enough for all our friends and family, and now I am doing the same.  It is always the first thing my friends ask for during the holidays is "my moms" buckeyes.

The chocolate does not have to be tempered, although this step makes dipping easier.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) butter, softened to room temperature
• 2.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk or dark chocolate, your choice

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.

2. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until very smooth and well combined.

3. Using a teaspoon, form mixture into balls the size of a quarter. Place balls on cookie sheet covered with foil and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

4. While balls are chilling, melt the chocolate. Temper the chocolate if you desire.

5. Once balls are firm, they can be dipped. Using a toothpick, skewer a ball and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate. You want to leave at least a dime-sized circle of undipped candy on top of the ball.

6. Drag it along the lip of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, and place it back on the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining peanut butter balls.

7. Return balls to fridge to set the chocolate. Serve once candies are firm.