a plate full of irish potatoes

Avia brought an Irish potato candy recipe to make with EJ in celebration of St. Patrick's Day this visit. Oddly the potatoes do not originate from Ireland but  from Pennsylvania.

They involve one of EJ's favorite ingredients, sugar, and put her playdough rolling skills to good use.

They mixed.


 Rolled.


 And dusted the "potatoes" with cinnamon and sugar.


The result was a sweet confection.


Here is the recipe I found by Martha Stewart:

Beat 4 tablespoons each softened unsalted butter and cream cheese with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt until pale and fluffy.  Mix in 1 pound powdered sugar and 2 cups walnuts (toasted, cooled and finely chopped) until smooth. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Roll dough (about 1 tablespoon each) between your hands.  Shape into "potatoes." Roll in ground cinnamon, brush off excess with a pastry brush.  To create "eyes," stick in walnut pieces.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Makes around 40 depending on size.