Needhams Candy Recipe
Potatoes are the Maine ingredient in needhams candy — an old-fashioned favorite in a state still known for its potato production.
The dark-chocolate-covered coconut-cream treat known as needhams.
Photo Credit : Melissa DiPalmaPotatoes are the Maine ingredient in needhams candy — a dark-chocolate–covered coconut-cream treat and an old-fashioned favorite. For the best homemade needhams, be sure to start with warm (not hot) mashed potato for a smooth filling, and don’t be afraid to return the chocolate to the heat for a moment or two if it starts to cool and thicken while you’re still dipping the squares.
SEE MORE:
The Need for Needhams | Recipe With a History
How to Make Needhams Potato Candy | Step-by-Step
75 Classic New England Foods
Yield:
60 piecesIngredients
1 2-pound bag confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup plain (unseasoned, meaning with no butter, milk, etc.) mashed potato, warm
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
1 14-ounce bag sweetened flaked coconut
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon table salt
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
Butter a rimmed 15½x10 ½-inch baking pan (we use a jellyroll pan) and set aside. (A 9×13-inch pan will also do, but the needhams will be thicker.)
In a large bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer, add the sugar, potato, melted butter, coconut, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low speed (mixture will be very dry at first) until a thick paste forms; then increase the speed for 30 seconds, or until all of the sugar is completely incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, and press down evenly. Let the mixture set and firm up at room temperature, about 1 hour. Then cut into small, even squares.
Melt the chocolate and the chips in a double boiler until smooth; then remove from the heat and add the shortening, stirring vigorously until shiny. Now place one coconut/potato square onto the tines of a fork and lower into the chocolate until coated; lift it and let the excess chocolate drip back into the pot.
Transfer the square to a sheet of parchment to harden, about 1 hour. Repeat with the remaining squares.
Store in an airtight container for up to two days for best flavor and appearance. After then the chocolate may begin to discolor.
