Buckeye Traditions

Every year at Christmas, we have a candy tradition.  Well, mom and I have a candy tradition.  The rest of the family "tolerates" our chocolate obsession and tries to sneak in apple pies and fruitcake.  But the homemade candy making is as much a part of our Christmas traditions as the sun rise!  And the candy must always contain in some measure a dollop or two or more of chocolate..

The Buckeyes are one of our favorites:

They are more yummy than the best Reese's peanut butter cup and are one of the first to disappear off the candy plate!  They are easy, easy to make, but very time-consuming.  We only make them at Christmas, and always make them together.

This year I didn't think I could do it.  So hard, emotionally, to tackle all these "firsts" so soon.  But, as you will see, when you add in a goofy husband, a beautiful and funny daughter, the first batch of Buckeyes without mom was a sweet success.  She is smiling tonight...

Here's the recipe for some extra-special love and laughter around the Buckeye bowl:

You will need:

2 lbs. powdered sugar (yep- two whole boxes)

1 lb butter (use the real stuff, it's Christmas)

18.5 oz jar of peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)

Dump all in a BIG bowl and knead together, chill for about an hour, then shape into balls.  Place peanut butter balls on cookie sheets lined with wax paper and chill until ready to dip in chocolate mixture.

Melt 1 whole bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 bar of parafin.

Stick toothpick in peanut butter ball and dip in chocolate mixture.  Then dip chocolate end of ball in bowl of ice water (don't completely submerge).  This will firm up chocolate quickly.  Then set ball on paper towel to absorb any water.

Keep buckeyes in covered container in refrigerator.  Add to your favorite dessert platters and surprise your family and friends.  Watch them disappear!

Our evening went well with my very able and willing helpers:

Until they got "high" on chocolate fumes and started misbehaving:

They suckered me in, and soon I was caught red-handed enjoying the evening more than I ever thought possible:

Oh, it feels good to laugh and enjoy the traditions of this season.  I know that mom would want us to continue living our best life.  And that best life will always include our favorite Buckeye Tradition. 

This one's for you Mom...