To this mixture, add powdered sugar bit by bit until a dough forms. It’s similar to making cookie dough, but there’s no need for baking later on. Once your dough has reached a pliable consistency, you can add in some crushed peanuts or any other nuts of your preference, if you like. This will give the candy an extra crunch and flavor that complements the sweetness.
Roll the dough out on a flat surface sprinkled with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Aim for a thickness of about a quarter inch. Once rolled out, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small rectangles or squares.
The candy can be enjoyed as it is at this stage, but many prefer to let it set in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. This gives the candy a firmer texture and makes it easier to handle.
When ready, enjoy your potato candy with a hot cup of tea or cocoa. You might be pleasantly surprised by its delicate sweetness and texture.
Potato Candy Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup mashed potatoes, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2 tablespoons milk (optional)
4-5 cups powdered sugar, more for rolling
1/2 cup crushed peanuts or other nuts (optional)
Procedure:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
Mix in the crushed peanuts if using.
Dust a flat surface with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness.
Cut into desired shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
Place candies on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for a couple of hours or enjoy immediately.
Regardless of its origins – whether it’s German, Irish, Russian, or Pennsylvania Dutch – the beauty of this candy lies in its simplicity and its testament to human ingenuity during hard times. It serves as a reminder that even when resources are limited, our ability to create joy remains boundless. The next time you have some leftover mashed potatoes, think about whipping up a batch of this sweet treat. It’s not just a bite of candy; it’s a bite of history.
