Best 4 Needham Bars Or Potato Candy Recipes
Needham Bars, also known as Potato Candy, are a sweet and delectable treat that combines the flavors of coconut, sugar, and nuts. It is a popular dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and makes a perfect treat for any occasion. With its rich history dating back to the 19th century, the origins of this treat can be traced to the town of Needham, Massachusetts. Said to have been created by a local confectioner, this dessert went on to gain widespread popularity throughout the New England region and beyond.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
NEEDHAMS
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h25m
Yield about 40 candies
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put the confectioners' sugar in a large heatproof bowl; make a deep well in the middle. Add the mashed potatoes, butter, vanilla and salt to the well. Place the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Starting in the center of the well, stir the ingredients, gradually incorporating the sugar, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a smooth paste, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the coconut. Transfer to the freezer and chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Roll tablespoonfuls of the potato mixture into balls, then flatten each ball into a small square using your fingers (you should have about 40 squares). Put the squares on a large plate or baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with foil, shiny-side up. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until the chocolate melts. Add the shortening and stir vigorously until glossy, about 2 minutes. Transfer half of the chocolate to a glass liquid measuring cup. One at a time, place each candy square on a fork and dip in the melted chocolate to coat; let the excess drip back into the cup. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining squares, refilling the cup with melted chocolate as needed. Let the candies harden at room temperature, about 1 hour. Photograph by Charles Masters
MAINE POTATO CANDY
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. -Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield 2 pounds (40 servings).
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; butter the foil. Spread coconut mixture into pan. Cover and chill overnight. Cut into 2x1-in. rectangles. Cover and freeze. , In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip bars in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to set. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 155 calories, Fat 7g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 55mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
MAINE NEEDHAMS
Needhams are typical to Maine. They originated in Portland, Maine by a candy maker who had attended an evangelistic service in Portland in 1872. The evangelist's name was the Rev. George C. Needham and because of many conversions, his name was on everyone's lips. When the candy maker came back to his shop after one of the services, his candy makers were making a new candy. When he asked the name of this candy, a young candy maker said, "Call them Needhams". They are still made today, not only by the candy store, but by all of us Maine-ers who love to cook. Needhams are made with coconut and have a dark chocolate coating. They remind me of a Mound candy bar. They are delicious. This recipe halves easily, but who will want a half batch? Not me. NOTE: Someone reviewed this recipe and said that it was in "Cooking Down East". There is one there but it calls for 1/2 lb. coconut which is 8 oz. This one calls for 2 7-ounce bags or 14 ounces of coconut. If I had gotten it from this cookbook I would have given the woman credit for it, but I didn't. They are all very similar.
Provided by Mimi in Maine
Categories Candy
Time 40m
Yield 66 candies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Pare, cook, and mash potato to make three-quarters of a cup.
- Add salt.
- Using double boiler place butter in it and melt over boiling water.
- Add mashed potato, confectioners sugar, flaked coconut, and vanilla.
- Mix well and turn into a buttered jelly roll pan and spread evenly.
- Place in a cool place to harden.
- When hard, cut into small squares.
- For the dipping chocolate, again use a double boiler.
- Place paraffin in the top over boiling water to melt.
- Then add the two kinds of chocolate and allow to melt.
- Stir well to mix ingredients.
- Dip in the chocolate mixture (with a fork, toothpick, or cake tester--I use a fork and put the square on top of the tines and dip it, letting the excess chocolate drip off before I lay it on the waxed paper).
- Hold each square over the chocolate mixture after dipping so the square drains well (I usually will have to reheat the chocolate inbetween dippings so it is nice and thin and drips of easily).
- Place on waxed paper to harden.
- Should make about 66 good sized needhams.
- This halves easily.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129.2, Fat 5.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 3.8, Sodium 55.5, Carbohydrate 21.1, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 18.5, Protein 0.7
NEEDHAM BARS OR POTATO CANDY
Make and share this Needham Bars or Potato Candy recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Aroostook
Categories Candy
Time 10m
Yield 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix first six ingredients well.
- Place into a 9x13 pan and pat down until smooth.
- Place in refrigerator until firm.
- Cut into 24 squares.
- Melt chocolate/wax in a double boiler.
- Dip each square into melted chocolate (I use a toothpick).
- Place on waxed paper to harden.
- Store in airtight container.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final product. Use fresh potatoes, pure butter, and real vanilla extract for the best results.
- Cook the potatoes until they are very soft: This will ensure that they are easy to mash and will create a smooth candy.
- Do not overcook the sugar syrup: Overcooked syrup will be too hard and brittle. Cook it until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Beat the potato mixture until it is light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the candy and make it creamy.
- Add the flavorings gradually: Start with a small amount and taste the candy as you go. You can always add more flavoring, but it is difficult to remove it.
- Let the candy cool completely before cutting it: This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Needham bars, also known as potato candy, are a classic American sweet treat that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and addictive candy that is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a fun and festive treat, give Needham bars a try.
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