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Needhams Potato Candy

Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
Aimee Tucker/Yankee Magazine
Yield
about 60 pieces
Category
Candy
Course
Desserts
Credit
Aimee Tucker/Yankee Magazine
Sources
Recipes with a History
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A unique potato candy made with a mashed potato and coconut center, Needhams Potato Candy is a fun candy treat, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century.

For the best homemade Needhams, start with warm (not hot) mashed potato. Make a batch for someone you love—much more thoughtful than buying chocolate candies at the store!

For another treat, check out our Poor Man’s Turtle recipe.

Ingredients
1 bag (2 pounds) confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup warm mashed potatoes (plain mashed potatoes with no milk or butter added)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
1 bag (14-ounces) sweetened flaked coconut
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
  1. Butter a rimmed 15½x10 ½-inch baking pan (try a jellyroll pan) and set aside. (A 9x13-inch pan will also do, but the Needhams will be thicker.) In a bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add confectioners’ sugar, potatoes, melted butter, coconut, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low speed (mixture will be very dry at first) until a thick paste forms; then increase the speed for 30 seconds, or until all of the sugar is completely incorporated.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, and press down evenly. Let mixture set and firm up at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, cut into small, even squares.
  3. Melt unsweetened chocolate and chocolate chips in a double boiler over not-quite-simmering water until smooth; then remove from the heat and add shortening, stirring vigorously until shiny.
  4. Place one coconut/potato square onto the tines of a fork and lower into the chocolate until coated; lift it and let the excess chocolate drip back into the pot. Transfer square to a sheet of parchment to harden, about 1 hour. Repeat with the remaining squares. Store in an airtight container for up to two days for the best flavor and appearance.

needhams_potato_candy.jpg

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The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

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Comments

Janet McClelland (not verified)

12 months ago

Can this be made and frozen.? Will it last longer than 3 days.? Would like to give as gifts

Kathy (not verified)

2 years 11 months ago

Can you substitute instant potato for the mashed?

Wanda (not verified)

2 years 11 months ago

I've made this candy many times and as I've gotten older I've made a lot of changes to my diet for better health. Has anyone used unsweetened coconut in this recipe? Thanks

Catherine Quinn (not verified)

4 years 9 months ago

Can you substitute cauliflower for the mashed potatoes. I would also substitute powdered erythritol for the sugar.

That would be an interesting experiment. If you try it, let us know how it turns out.