Yes, there really is potato in this classic Irish treat, though you'd never know by tasting. Rolled in coconut, these mini spud-shaped sweets make a perfect St. Patrick's Day dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 large potato
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 to 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 5 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Peel the potato and boil it in water until soft. In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked potato with the salt and butter. Then -- this is key -- let it cool completely, or else it will melt the sugar when you add it.

2. Mix in the vanilla extract and 4 cups of sugar. At this point, the mixture should be stiff. If it isn't, add more sugar.

3. Sprinkle half of the coconut onto a waxed-paper-covered surface and turn the potato mixture onto it. Roll the batter until all of the coconut has been mixed in, then shape teaspoonfuls into small balls.

4. Roll the balls individually in the remaining coconut. Chill the finished candies until you're ready to serve them. Makes about 4 dozen.

You might also like:

Find more about:

• Candy |
• Coconut |
• Potatoes |
• St. Patrick's Day

Related Categories:

• St. Patrick's Day Desserts |
• Candy