Sweet Potatoes, cont.

Well, I made the Irish Potato Candy.  Did you try?  In case you didn't, but might try it, here are a couple of things I found as I made them.  (See my post with the recipe, if you haven't already.)

The recipe says it makes 60 candies, but mine only made about 40.  I think some of my potatoes are pretty big, though.  After you add the confectioners' sugar, it takes a while to beat to a smooth consistency--it seems like it will never get there, but it does.  Just use a high speed on your mixer.  And it's definitely worth adding 1/2 a tablespoon of cocoa to the cinnamon.  It adds a really good flavor.

I'll tell you one thing.  They're tasty.  Enjoy!

Sweet Potatoes

With St. Patrick's Day coming up, I've been thinking about these yummy candies that you probably have had--Irish Potato Candy.

It seems like many folks have their own recipe for these sweet little treats--none of which, by the way, include potato.  They're called Potato Candy because they look like potatoes.

Here's a recipe that I found that got good reviews.  It's pretty easy.  I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to.  Let me know if you do--and how you like it.  Or if you have other recipes.

Irish Potato Candy (makes about 60 servings)

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup butter, softened

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 1/2 cups flaked coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners' sugar

Ground cinnamon for coating

1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.  Add vanilla and sugar; beat until smooth.  Using your hands if necessary, mix in the coconut.  Roll into balls or potato shapes, and roll in cinnamon.  Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set.  If desired, roll in cinnamon again for a darker color.  (Some comments said that the cinnamon might be a little too strong as written, so they put a half tablespoon of cocoa for every tablespoon of cinnamon.)

Enjoy!