Of Buckeyes & Holidays

Here in Ohio we're all about buckeyes. Yep, we gather buckeyes, the nuts from an indigenous tree, and add them to our fall decor.  My family cheers the Buckeyes on every fall Saturday, even through tough times.  And when the holidays roll around...it's time to make... 


It's a tradition in my family to spend a couple hours mixing the creamy peanut butter center, shaping into balls,and then dipping in chocolate leaving a circle on top.  The end result looks just like a buckeye.  

Mmmmmm....buckeye love!

Even if you don't live in Ohio you can give these tasty little treats a try.  They're easy to make and oh my....it's melt-in-your-mouth, peanut butter goodness.

B u c k e y e s

1/2 cup of crunchy or creamy peanut butter

1/4 lb. of butter

3/4 lb (2 2/3 cups) confectioner's sugar

12 ounces of Nestle chocolate chips

A bit less than a 1/4 bar of paraffin

To a large bowl add peanut butter, butter, and confectioner's sugar.  Mix ingredients with your hands until the mixture becomes well blended and creamy, but firm.  Refrigerate for an hour or so. Roll into 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch balls and refrigerate until firm.   

Pour chocolate chips into the top of a double boiler and shave paraffin using a vegetable peeler on top.  Melt chocolate and paraffin until all is smooth.  Using toothpicks dip each ball into the chocolate leaving a circle of the peanut butter middle showing on top. Place buckeyes on parchment or waxed paper and let set until chocolate is no longer sticky to touch.  Do not place in 'fridge to set.

Enjoy! 

PS There IS a difference between horse chestnuts and buckeyes.