Every once in awhile you come across a recipe that is so weird and so I’ll-never-make-that, that you kind of just have to. Make it, that is. You know? And such is the case with this recipe for Old Fashioned Potato Candy. I had a vague recollection of seeing it on Pinterest, and a few weeks ago, when we had leftover mashed potatoes (you know, because my kids won’t touch the stuff), I knew exactly what I was going to make it with. I was curious as to the origin, and a Google search will tell you that it hails from the South. Or the Amish. And even Maine. The origins of the original idea appear almost as endless as the varieties. I saw some recipes with walnuts, or coconut, or even dipped in chocolate.
There is so much sugar in the recipe that I assure you, you won’t even be able to tasted any hint of mashed potato. I gave a piece to a few co-workers and asked for guesses on the secret ingredient, and nobody could name it. The candy is very, very, very sweet, sweeter than fudge, but in the same family, so small pieces are better. Nick loved it and asked when we could make more. I liked it, but was good after a piece or two. Total cavity seeker. Are YOU brave enough to make Potato Candy?
The details:
Original Pinterest pin is here.
The recipe I used is from Wenderly, found here.
Need more Pinterest inspiration? Come follow my boards here.
And yes, you’re right … where the heck is MY picture of potato candy? It just wasn’t up to snuff. Can I distract you with something else?
Ziploc has this new line of sandwich bags called Evolve. Better for the environment, green, and all that. I don’t use disposable stuff much, but found a box clearanced at Target awhile back and bought it just as back-up. This is the fourth bag that I have used from the box that has torn. Tonight it was when I was trying to stuff cupcakes before my parents came over. The other times? When I’ve put a sandwich in them, which is crazy. Not very green if I have to go through twice as many. Not impressed, Ziploc, not impressed.
With that, my friends, I’m signing off for the weekend. We have a full weekend of nothingness planned, which is absolutely, positively what we need right now. Hope you get exactly what YOU need. See you Sunday!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never had potato candy but I have on good authority that it’s a Maine-ism. I won’t be making it. Not my cuppa tea.
Potato candy is definitely one of those crazy weird things that, as a food blogger, you need to make at least once (I haven’t…but someday). You know…for research purposes. It sounds pretty awesome (especially for those of us with insane-o sweet tooths!)
Potato candy is pretty popular around here. I’ve never actually seen or tasted it (I didn’t grow up in this area) but it’s in just about every local cookbook. Most recipes include peanut butter so it’s not something I’ll be making.
Cool! I just found some odd candy recipes in my grandmother’s recipe file and I’m working up the courage to make them. Potato candy sounds truly unique!