I’m originally from the state of Maine in the USA. Some of my best memories are around sharing food with family and friends. I loved to help my father cook. I’m not so sure he thought my help was any help at all but he never discouraged me.
Dad didn’t cook much – leaving the daily cooking to my mother – but he had a few things that were truly “his” and he was convinced that my mother just couldn’t do these justice. He made popovers on Saturday morning. What a joy to slather butter on a hot popover and put a spoonful of homemade strawberry jam on top. Real heaven.
He also made chocolate fudge and needham candy. I’ve traveled around the world but I’ve never seen too many people talk about needhams – in Maine everyone knows what they are. Sort of like lobster, blueberries and whoopie pies the size of dinner plates – ahh Maine. Oh Pine Tree State – now I have that song stuck in my head. I’ll be singing that in my mind while I eat these yummy goodies.
Dad’s not with us any longer but his hand written recipe ended with “deelish” was handed down to me. I treasure it. You’ll feel like a real “Mainer” when you eat these.
- ¾ c. unseasoned mashed potato
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 lbs confectioner's sugar
- 1 stick butter (1/4 lb)
- 8 oz flaked coconut
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
- 4 sq. unsweetened chocolate
- 2 oz paraffin wax - like you seal jam with
- Peel potatoes and cut into cubes.
- Add potatoes to a 2 quart pot with water and add salt.
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Drain and place in bowl.
- Mash potatoes with 1 stick melted butter
- Add confectioner's sugar, coconut, and vanilla.
- Mix well.
- Spread the mixture out on waxed paper or a buttered cookie sheet.
- Place in fridge to cool til firm.
- Cut into small squares or candybar shape and dip into the chocolate mixture
- Place on waxed paper to cool.
- Melt paraffin in a double boiler over simmering water
- When the wax is melted add chocolate and stir well to mix
- Dip each piece of candy in the chocolate mixture -use a fork and dip it, letting the excess chocolate drip off before laying it on waxed paper to harden
Chocolate and coconut…two of my favorites! The potatoes are an interesting addition!
I almost lick the screen. haha. XD
I badly want to eat this now. 8D
I love your story about your dad making his popovers and candy. I have never had these before but they definitely sound delicious and they are going on my “to do” list. I love your blog and I will be checking back soon 🙂
Best candy ever! Going to Tennessee to visit my son and had to make some for him to take with me. My mom used to make them a lot when I was growing up. Going to give him the recipie so he can make them for his daughter!
Just saw this on a FB post in You know you’re from Lewiston when and I want to say Thank You and now I am looking to see if you have a whoopie pie recipe and I will now be a subscriber and also love the ginger ale recipe I saw.
I am over 60 and these are a favorite of mine I would love to have the popover recipie alsothank you sooo much??
Amazing! Just like grandma used to make! ????