Maine potato candy has been a state staple for over 150 years. The not-so-secret ingredient is hardly detectable but creates the entire draw of these sweet confectionery morsels.
Instructions
1
Make the filling
2
In a large bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, sweetened shredded coconut, mashed potatoes, vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
3
Chill the filling
4
Line a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Spread room-temperature butter all over the foil. Evenly spread the coconut mixture into the pan, then cover the filling tightly with storage wrap and chill overnight.
5
Cut into pieces
6
With a sharp chef’s knife and a ruler, cut the block of filling into 2x1-inch rectangles. Cover them again tightly with storage wrap and freeze the pieces.
7
Melt the chocolate
8
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate candy coating in a microwave at 70% power in 10-second increments. Stir in between every single increment to ensure even heating until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Editor’s Tip: It’s very easy to accidentally burn the chocolate in the microwave. There are a few safer, albeit slower, ways to melt chocolate, as in a double boiler or water bath. Just make sure that no water gets in the chocolate or it will ruin it!
9
Coat the candies and let them set
10
Using the tines of a fork, dip the bars in the chocolate candy coating, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the chocolate-covered candy on waxed paper to set at room temperature. Editor’s Tip: It’s really important you allow any excess chocolate to drip off so the candies don’t form “feet.” You can even lightly and gently tap the fork on the inside of the bowl to encourage the excess to drip off.
