Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable (102 page)

3.
Spoon nickel-size circles of tempered chocolate onto the lined baking sheet. Let it set for 2 minutes, then sprinkle sugar beads over the top.

4.
Let set for 30 minutes or until firm before serving.

Yield:

About 40 candies

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

General Description:

Peanut-butter balls are the perfect candy for anyone who longs to eat peanut butter straight from the jar
. These treats are little more than balls of peanut butter dipped in melted dark chocolate—pure peanutty goodness. Because they are so simple to make, peanut butter balls are a great choice for beginning candy makers.

History:

Peanuts and peanut butter have a unique place in American history. The modern American version of peanut butter was invented in 1895 by John Kellogg, who intended it as a health food for patients. By the 1920s, peanut butter was on its way to becoming an essential part of America’s food culture. Peanut-butter balls were likely invented as a simple way to enjoy peanut butter as candy.

Serving Suggestions:

Roll peanut-butter balls in sprinkles or miniature chocolate chips. For a regional variation, make
buckeyes
.

Candy-Making Notes:

You can use a toothpick to dip the balls in chocolate; simply smooth over the hole once you have placed the dipped ball back on the baking sheet.

Recipe:

1.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2.
In a stand mixer, beat peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and salt together on medium speed.

3.
Add the confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup at a time, until the mixture is very smooth and firm.

4.
Form 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

5.
Melt and
temper the chocolate
, or simply melt the coating chocolate.

6.
Dip peanut-butter balls in the chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet. Let them set for at least 1 hour before serving.