Peanut Butter Balls

Sunday, December 13, 2009

On of my favorite things is to get Chloe in the kitchen with me. So far at nearly 9, she isn't interested in anything but getting her food delivered to her. But at Christmas, we have a tradition of making this candy. It is really just a homemade Reece's Peanut Butter Cup. This was our fourth year making the candy and before starting it, we made cookies for her cookie exchange, and we were worn out that night! This is great fun, very messy (a kitchen volcano!), but very rewarding. The candy we don't give our friends and family, we keep in the freezer all year long. You only need one to take care of that sweet tooth.

Peanut Butter Balls (from the Cotton Country Cookbook, Junior League of Monroe, LA)

4 sticks butter, softened
2-2lb bags powdered sugar, maybe a little more
1 qt. crunchy peanut butter, I use creamy per Chloe's request
1 C. ground pecans, I never do this per Chloe
2-6-1/2 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips, I always use a 36 oz. bag because I've run out
1 block parafin, I use 3/4 a block (this can be hard to find, it's candle wax that should be near the canning supplies and flour isle)
Wax paper

Mix the first four ingredients and roll into 1 inch balls and chill until firm. If it's too wet, add more powdered sugar, you want the balls not too sticky. (This was the first year I had Chloe read the instructions to me while I got the supplies out and realized that I always mixed the peanut butter and chilled it, then did the balls. I've overlooked this for years. But it was easier having the balls cold when we dipped them in the chocolate, duh, Chloe said) Melt chocolate and parafin in a double boiler. (I don't have one and just use a bowl over a simmering pot of water) Insert a toothpick unto a ball and dip in chocolate and drain on waxed paper. (We use forks and find it's a lot easier). Makes 150 balls. Recipe by a Mrs. Jennings Wilkins.

Fun times with Chloe!! We banned Whit from coming over for a few days since he's allergic to peanut butter. I want my kitchen totally eradicated of all peanut butter.

The picture of my dogs are Tu Jaques, my last Afghan Hound who will turn 11 on Christmas Eve, and Chloe's Biscuit, a 2-1/2 year old mix breed. The picture was taken that night after making all the cookies and candy....very funny! Chloe and I were just as tired.

Merry Christmas!