Buckeyes

The holidays just aren't the holidays for me and my family unless there is a healthy supply of Buckeyes available at all times.  In case you're not familiar with the term, it originates from the state of Ohio and their Buckeye tree, which produces and drops Buckeye "nuts" all over the place during this time of year.  The holiday treats bear a striking resemblance to their poisonous counterparts, so don't get them confused!

The Buckeye nut.

The tasty Buckeye treat.

Every year I make a ton of Buckeyes and my husband grumbles, mostly because he knows that if there are Buckeyes in our freezer, he will snack on one or two a day for the entire holiday season.  He claims that this is somehow my fault.  Figure that one out for me, will ya?

Anyway, here is the recipe I use.

1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips


1.  In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.

2.  Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.

3.  Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.

4.  Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

This is one of those recipes that is a pain to make, but it is so worth it, trust me.  I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!