The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared a in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News” as well as other publications. Check their websites for further information or write to me for more details as to where this can be viewed.

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy 

Think you are old? I bet you are not as old as this recipe! Ha! Potato candy goes back hundreds of years as a way of using up leftover mashed potatoes. People can get a little weird about this recipe as soon as you mention “potato” but it really is just there to hold up the candy. I have made this candy before without the potato honestly and you can tell a slight difference but not a huge one. I prefer making it with the potato though, not only for nostalgia sakes but because that is how my Grandma Barbra and I would always make ours when I was growing up.

This is the perfect recipe to get your kids in the kitchen and involved with. The dough is super forgiving and there really is no errors here. If the dough is sticky, add more powdered sugar. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. A friend of mine said that they grew up adding a pinch of cinnamon to the insides of theirs and called their candy “Cinnamon Cigars”. You can try that if you wish but I think I will stick to the original. Remember when using leftover potato, make sure it is dry without butter or sour cream. Same if using mashed potatoes. Make sure they are of the plain variety. 

Potato Candy 

1/2 cup leftover mashed potato

1 stick unsalted butter, soft 

6-7 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup smooth peanut butter 

Combine the leftover mashed potato with the soft unsalted butter, 1 cup of the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract. 

Keep stirring and adding additional cups of powdered sugar until the mixture resembles a thick dough that is moldable and can be rolled into a ball. 

Refrigerate this mixture for 1 hour.

Remove and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Roll out the dough onto a powdered sugar covered work surface until about 1/4-inch thick.

If the dough falls apart, add more powdered sugar, knead into a ball and start over. This dough is pretty forgiving.

Once rolled out, spread evenly with the smooth peanut butter.

Gently roll up the log, tight but not too tight. Use a sharp knife and cut each piece into about 1/2-inch thick pieces. 

Enjoy! Store leftover candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days. 

ASK AND ANSWER: What is your favorite thing to make once the weather gets warmer? Email me and let me know! I would love to hear from you.