Tasty Tuesday: Buckeyes

Every Tuesday leading up to Christmas, I want to open up my cookbook and share one of my recipes for some favorite Christmas cookies with you!  If you know anything about me, you know that in addition to being a Boise State fan, I am a diehard Ohio State fan as well.  It just seems that as the Buckeyes move to #2 in the BCS rankings it's appropriate to share this delicious treat from my home state: No-Bake Buckeyes! I'm not pushing my OSU propaganda on you...but I'll tell you that no one, regardless of their favorite NCAA team, will turn down these easy and mouthwatering peanut butter and chocolate treat!  Just some background...they're called Buckeyes because they resemble the Ohio State's mascot...the nut from a Buckeye tree.

KEKELUV BLOG BOMB!!!!!!  What the hell is a buckeye???  BOISE!!!!!!!  STATE!!!!!!  Boooyah!

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: about 24 buckeyes

 Ingredients:

• 3 oz (6 tbsp) butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 oz chocolate candy coating

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.

2. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until very smooth and well combined. Taste, and adjust the sugar and salt to taste.

3. Roll the candy into small balls about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm.

4. Once firm, melt the chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.

5. Stick a toothpick firmly into a peanut butter ball, and dip it partially in the chocolate, making sure to leave a circle on top of the candy undipped. If the toothpick doesn't seem to hold the candy well, use a fork underneath the ball to add stability while you're dipping it.

6. Place the dipped candy back on the baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining balls until they're all dipped in chocolate. If they get too soft to dip with a toothpick, refrigerate the tray briefly to firm them up again.

7. Once all of the Buckeyes are dipped, refrigerate the tray to set the chocolate. Use your finger to gently smooth over the holes in the tops of the candies, if desired. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.