Maine Potato Candy
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Ingredients
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup cold mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped
Reviews
I found this recipe in Betty Crocker's Cookie Book, copyright 1963, and made it many times. It's 5-star. Their recipe says either real or instant potatoes.
Does anyone think it would be OK made with instant potatoes?
I grew up in Maine and these were made almost every holiday. You can omit the coconut, add mint and make peppermint patties too. But, if ever in Maine, go to Big G's in Winslow Maine for the best Whoopie Pies and deli sandwitches ever! If you're lucky, they may have apple crisp too.
Grew up in Maine and these are also know as Needhams Candy
My grandmother made potato candy years ago. She used peppermint flavoring and minus the coconut. They were just as good as any store bought mints.
What a recipe find! I love Mounds Bars so I tried making these. The result was they turned out ugly. On the other hand ...WOW! Just WOW!! Simple and easy to make they are far superior. (Probably because there are no additives that get in the way of the taste.) I've made them smaller (1"x1") and like them better bite-sized. I'm now experimenting with the chocolate but I doubt the coconut/potato can be improved upon.
These little candies were surprisingly delicious and very easy to make. I have a daughter who has developed allergies to nuts, eggs and dairy, and has had to eliminate almost all sweet treats from her diet, leaving her feeling very deprived. I made these at Christmas for her and she loved them, as well as anyone who tasted them. Who would have thought mashed potatoes could come to her rescue. I used a non-dairy dark chocolate coating by Ghiaridelli. I will make them again for sure.
Have been making these for more years than I care to admit to. For 1/2 of the batch I use milk choc. and after dipping I place 2 almonds on top
We always called them Needhams.. I have made them many times. Cannot make enough for my family.
With the holidays just around the corner, thought this would be a great candy recipe to bump up to the present. Do not let the name fool you. Its very very good. Just remember to use mashed potatoes without seasoning. Nancy