buckeyes

When you hear the word buckeyes, what do you think of? People from Ohio would say Ohio State or buckeyes my mom/grandma used to make, or trees. Hesston is obviously not in Ohio, but HC does have a row of buckeye trees just east of Mary Miller Library. They are the first trees to turn colors in the fall and every other year produce the buckeye seeds which squirrels snatch up quickly. We had buckeyes for snack yesterday and today (the candy of course!!) and there was not one morsel left. 

buckeye seeds

buckeye candy

Here is the recipe:

 INGREDIENTS: 

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups powdered sugar

1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons Crisco all-vegetable shortening 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in mixer. Beat on low until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until blended. Beat in additional powdered sugar until mixture, when shaped into a ball, will stay on a toothpick. Shape into balls. Refrigerate until firm.

2.  Place chocolate chips and shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth.

3. Insert toothpick into peanut butter ball and dip 3/4 of ball into chocolate, leaving the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Refrigerate until firm. Keep refrigerated until read to serve. 
4. Recipe makes about 80 balls. 

Recipe from: allrecipes.com

Buckeyes are super easy to make and if you like Reese's peanut butter cups, you will definitely like buckeyes!!