NEEDHAMS (POTATO CANDY)

Needhams (Potato Candy) image

Provided by Kimmi Knippel (Sweet_Memories) @KimmiK

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cup(s) confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup(s) smooth plain mashed potatoes
2 tablespoon(s) butter, unsalted
2 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1 - 14 oz. package(s) sweetened shredded coconut
2 pound(s) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, good-quality
3 tablespoon(s) vegetable shortening

Steps:

Put the confectioners' sugar in a large heatproof bowl; make a deep well in the middle (volcano-like). Add the mashed potatoes, butter, vanilla & salt into the well.
Place the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Starting in the center of the well, stir the ingredients, gradually incorporating the sugar, until the sugar dissolves & the mixture forms a smooth paste, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat & stir in the coconut. Transfer to the freezer & chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
Roll Tbsp of the potato mixture into balls, then flatten each ball into a small square using your fingers (you should have about 40 squares). Put the squares on a large plate or baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap & freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with foil, shiny side up. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl & mircrowave in 30 second intervals, stirring, until the chocolate melts. Add the shortening & stir vigorously until glossy, about 2 minutes. Transfer 1/2 of the chocolate to a glass liquid measuring cup.
One at a time, place each candy square on a fork & dip in the melted chocolate to coat; let the excess drip back into the cup. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining squares, refilling the cup with melted chocolate as needed. Let the candies harden at room temperature, about 1 hour.