How to Make Irish Potatoes

Saint Patrick's Day Irish Candy Potatoes are an old tradition originating from a Philadelphia Confectionery. The candy is comprised of whipped divinity and candy cream which is shaped like a certain tube shaped vegetable and then dipped in cocoa powder and cinnamon. Some versions use coconut, but as I was first introduced to the St. Patty's Potato from See's Candies, I prefer their version.

It is widely believed that these tasty spuds were inspired by The Great Potato Famine in Ireland of the 1740's in Ireland.

Irish Potatoes

In this How To post I will explain how you can easily make this festive treat on your own!

Divinity
3 cups sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
⅔ cup of water
Bring to boil in saucepan, stirring only until sugar is dissolved
Bring to a slow rolling boil, cooking to hard ball stage, or 270°

While sugar mixture is cooking whip 2 egg whites, plus 1 teaspoon vanilla, in a large bowl to stiff peaks
Continue to beat whites, while slowly adding sugar mixture
Whip several minutes, until mixture starts to hold shape
Pour onto greased wax paper

Knead 3 parts Divinity to 1 part Candy Fondant with 1 cup chopped walnuts

Shape into 3oz. round tube shaped potatoes
Coat in Cocoa Powder mixture and top with tips of broken walnuts to resemble spuds

Cocoa Mixture
¼ cup ground cinnamon
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
Sift together

Recipe yields 9-12 potatoes
Keep in a cool dry place up to 1 month

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

P.S.: Winners of the Tillamook Ice Cream Giveaway - don't forget to tell me what Ice Cream you are excited to get, and then email me your address: Due tomorrow!

One year ago: My First Love, Lemon Almond Ricotta Muffins