Maine Potato Candy

Name: Maine Potato Candy
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 pounds (40 servings).
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

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

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; butter the foil. Spread coconut mixture into pan. Cover and chill overnight. Cut into 2x1-in. rectangles. Cover and freeze.
In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip bars in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to set. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 155 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Originally published as Maine Potato Candy in Taste of Home April/May 2000

Reviews

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Average Rating:

lgbean

Feb 14, 2019

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.
Iris

Oct 10, 2018

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
hollyjeangray

Mar 17, 2015

We always called them Needhams.. I have made them many times. Cannot make enough for my family.
GrandmaCookN

Oct 27, 2014

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
Cookie Wannabe

Mar 20, 2013

Excellent!
beckihomecki

Dec 20, 2011

Don't let the name or ingredients throw you off for this recipe. If you like coconut this is the one to make!!! It is so good, even better than mounds candy. You can even keep it in the freezer a little while to save time on the holidays. People are so impressed by these homade candies. its nice too that that they are rectangles which will set them apart from the rest of the 'ball' candy.
angeli3

Oct 18, 2008

These are excellant.Even my girls love these and there adults now