Potato Candy


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Recipes are from the Portland Oregonian FOODday. Since these are unique and unusual recipes, thought everyone would enjoy seeing them and perhaps making them.

This recipe is by Jane Claire Edmunds and Myrtle Hartley, two Oregon sisters that are now in their 80's. They presently live in a retirement home, but still make this delicious potato candy every year.
 


Potato Candy

1 medium baking potato
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup dried figs
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons dark raisins
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring or almond extract
5 2/3 cups (1 1/4 pounds) powdered (confectioners) sugar, sifted
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating candy) 1/2 cup ground nuts (for coating)

Bake or microwave the potato until a fork pierces it easily. While it's cooking, grind the dates, figs, and raisins in a food mill or chop finely in a food processor. While the potato is still warm, scoop out the contents. Mash well. Mix in vanilla, maple or almond extract, and 5 2/3 cups powdered sugar until you have a stiff, workable dough. Add the fruit and mix well.

Refrigerate for an hour or so. Then shape into rolls 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll in 1/2 cup powdered sugar and ground nuts. roll up in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let set a day or two, then slice into desired-size pieces.

Store in refrigerator; bring to room temperature to serve. Keep pieces covered or they will dry out quickly.

Instead of long rolls, the candy may be shaped into bonbon pieces or used to stuff dried fruits.