Buckeyes

It has been entirely too long since I made an entry to my blog. These last 4 months have been extremely difficult for my sister and our family, but I am hopeful the new year will bring new beginnings and happier times!

First, the top picture is the one Chris and I used for our Christmas cards. The second is one of the "goofy" takes. Merry Christmas everyone!






Chris is working today, so I decided to make some Christmas treats! I plan to put these goodies in Christmas tins and give them to co-workers and friends. You must try this recipe. It is easy and delicious!

The story of the "Buckeye":


These peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate get their name from their resemblance to the nut of the buckeye tree. As most of you know, the BUCKEYE TREE is the official tree of Ohio and the famous OSU Buckeyes! :)
Here is the recipe my mom passed on to me. You can also melt chocolate chips or baking chocolate and add paraffin. Enjoy!

Buckeyes
Centers
1 lb. confectioner's sugar (1 box= 3 ½ cups= 1 lb.)
3 cup creamy-style peanut butter
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Coating
16 ounces coating chocolate for candy making

Directions:
Mix peanut butter, vanilla, butter and confectioner's sugar. Use a large spoon to mix ingredients into a stiff dough. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.
Chill until hard (about 2 hours).
Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave.
Using a toothpick, pock each peanut butter ball and dip each ball into the chocolate, leaving a small patch of peanut butter (about 1/4 of the center) showing. Place the coated centers on the wax paper and remove the toothpick. Chill for 2 hours before serving and store in refrigerator.