Gramma’s Old Fashioned Candy - You Won’t Believe the Secret Ingredient In This Recipe

Alright, let's discuss a candy recipe that is as classic as grandma's doilies, but with a surprising twist that might leave you wondering, "Wait, potatoes?" Yes, my friends, this is Mashed Potato Candy! It’s been passed down in my family from my mom’s mom’s mom—in other words, it goes way back! This recipe is reminiscent of the past in the best possible way: it's straightforward, delicious, and slightly quirky, just like me. Please, please don’t let the potato part scare you off; it’s just a binder that gives the candy its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You absolutely cannot taste it, trust me.

Gramma’s Old Fashioned Candy - You Won’t Believe the Secret Ingredient In This RecipePhoto byThe Country Cook

Make sure you read through the ProTips to keep from having any watery mashed potato mishaps. While it's a delightful treat, it's crucial to pay attention to the details. Here’s what you need to know:

Pro Tips:

- Cool Those Potatoes: Whatever you do, make sure the potatoes are fully cooled before mixing them with sugar. Warm potatoes + sugar = watery, gooey mess. Simply allow them to cool at room temperature; there's no need to refrigerate them as the humidity could potentially add more water. Personally, I cook my potato the day before and let it cool overnight.

- Choose Russets: Use russet potato. They’re drier than some other types, so they won’t throw off your mix. I prefer the microwave method: simply poke it with a fork a few times, microwave it while rotating it every couple of minutes, and mash it once it is fork-tender.

- Peanut Butter: Choose a creamy, good-quality peanut butter—it’ll make all the difference in taste and texture.

- Use Extra Sugar as Needed: Don’t be shy about adding extra confectionary sugar if the dough’s sticky. It should be pliable but not tacky. Give it another chill before rolling it out—it makes handling so much easier.

- Dust Away: Dust your rolling pin and countertop with confectionary sugar. A little extra prep goes a long way for smooth rolling!

Gramma’s Old Fashioned Candy - You Won’t Believe the Secret Ingredient In This RecipePhoto byThe Country Cook

Cook Time: 20 mins; Chilling Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hrs. 50 mins.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C. plain mashed potatoes (refer to the cooking tips)
• 1 stick of salted butter (softened)
• 6-7 C. confectionary sugar (more for dusting work space and rolling pin)
• 3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Peanut butter for filling (use creamy!)

Directions:

• Using a stand mixer, add your completely cooled mashed potatoes, softened butter, and begin with one cup of confectionary sugar. Mix on medium speed.
• Continue to add your confectionary sugar, 1 cup at a time. Make sure you mix completely after each cup. Add 6 cups, and then check your mixture. If it's moldable (you can roll a ball in your hands), then it's good to go; if not, add more confectionary sugar.
• Next, add in your vanilla extract.
• Take your mixture and place it in the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes. If you allow it to chill too long, it will not be moldable, and you will need to allow it to warm up (10 minutes or so).
• Dust your work space generously with confectionary sugar. Remove your dough and divide it in half; dust with confectionary sugar. Use a rolling pin and roll your dough out into an 8"x12" rectangle, 1/4" thick. Keep in mind if your dough is falling apart or too sticky; add more sugar and start over (add sugar, roll into a ball, and then roll it out again).
• Once you've rolled out the dough, cover it with your creamy peanut butter. Keep a 1/8-1/4 inch perimeter around the dough peanut butter-free.
• Begin on the long side of your dough and tightly roll into a log. Be gentle!
• Cut into 1/2-inch slices. Make sure you use a sharp knife!

Gramma’s Old Fashioned Candy - You Won’t Believe the Secret Ingredient In This RecipePhoto byThe Country Cook

• Now repeat the process with the other half of dough!

• Keep your candy in the refrigerator. It will last for 7 days.

Enjoy Friends! ❤️