Needhams

If you like Mounds bars and you haven't had a Needham, you're really missing out. Although once you have had a Needham, you'll never enjoy a Mounds bar the same way.

Needham candy

Needhams originated in Auburn, Maine made by Seavey's Sweets around 1872. Some suggest that they were developed when there was a particularly abundant potato crop and folks were challenged to find new ways to use all those extra potatoes. They got their moniker, not from Needham MA., but were named after Reverend George C. Needham, a well-known evangelical preacher from the 19th century.

If you've seen my Irish potato candy recipe, you'll see they are almost identical except for the butter and the hand-dipping into the melted chocolate.

THE RECIPE:

3/4c warm mashed potatoes

1/2 melted butter

1t vanilla extract

2 lb powdered sugar

2c packed sweetened sledded coconut

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients except the chocolate until completely mixed.

When the mixture is cooled, spread it out on waxed or parchment paper to a thickness of about 1/2" to 3/4".

Cut into squares.

Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler.

Dip the squares into the chocolate to coat and set on wax paper to cool and harden.

Store in air-tight container.