Mommas Peanut Butter Candy Food

MOMMA'S PEANUT BUTTER CANDY

Steps:

• In a medium pot bring water to a rolling boil.
• Add sugar and let dissolve. Keep boiling it!
• As the water continues to boil add more sugar until it seems to be thickening. (Probably no more than 1 cup.) I never measure the "extra" sugar. I just add until it looks like it may be thickening.
• Boil sugar and water until it passes the "water test".
• THE WATER TEST: With a spoon take a few drops of your sugar and water(syrup) and let it drip into the glass of cold water. If the syrup gets hard before it reaches the bottom of the glass and forms a solid drop in the bottom it has passed the test and is ready to be mixed. If it mixes in with the cold water, it needs to boil longer. Just keep testing it every few minutes. If its been boiling a while and still doesnt get hard, add more sugar to the boiling water until it passes the test.
• Meanwhile, while you are waiting on your water to become syrup, put the peanut butter into a med bowl. If you use a glass bowl cleanup will be easier. Also, if you microwave the peanut butter for 30 seconds or so, it will be easier to mix.
• When your syrup is done QUICKLY (but CAREFULLY) pour it into the bowl with the peanut butter. Mix by hand with a spoon until mixed well. Drop by spoonfulls onto parchment paper and allow to cool in fridge.
• NOTE: Be extremely careful when pouring the syrup! If this stuff get on you while it is hot it is like hot glue!

MOM'S FAMOUS PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla, salt, and half of the powdered sugar. You can also do this by hand with a wooden spoon and clean hands.
• Blend on low speed until the mixture begins to come together. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the remaining powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined. The mixture will be very thick, but not dry. The powdered sugar should incorporate easily.
• Remove the bowl from the stand and use a small cookie scoop to scoop dough and roll peanut butter balls between your hands to make a tight, round ball. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
• In a heatproof bowl combine chocolate chunks and coconut oil. Place the bowl over a small pot of simmering water and let sit until chocolate begins to melt. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and reduce heat so the water is just at a low simmer.
• Remove the balls from the refrigerator and using your fingers, dip half of each ball into the melted chocolate, and return to the parchment lined sheet. Repeat until all balls are dipped and place in the refrigerator to chill and harden the chocolate.
• Keep peanut butter balls covered and stored in the refrigerator, or pack them in holiday tins and stored in the refrigerator for gifting. Peanut butter balls last up to 2 weeks if not longer covered well and cool.

MOM'S PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Steps:

• 1. Mix all ingredients (EXCEPT the peanut butter) over medium heat until mixture reaches soft ball stage. This takes about 7 - 7 1/2 minutes. You can use a candy thermometer to check this or you can do what my mom did. She used a small dish of cold water. She would place a very small amount(just a few drops)of the boiling mixture into the water to see if it would hold a ball shape. If it dissolved in the water as soon as it hits the water, it's not ready. If it hardens immediately upon hitting the water, it's too late. If you can push the mixture easily into a ball shape it's ready.
• 2. After you've reached soft-ball stage, add peanut butter. Stir thoroughly and until peanut butter is completely melted. Pour into buttered dish. ENJOY!!