Stuck for a last-minute take-along for a holiday party?  Less than an hour you can be a hero with a sweet treat!

Peanut butter balls (prep. time 20 minutes if you don't chill the filling, 40 minutes if you do. Makes 50)

2 C. powdered sugar

1 C. creamy peanut butter

6 Tb. room temp. butter

1/4 tsp. vanilla

2 C. semi sweet chocolate chips

2 Tb. vegetable shortening (cannot be substituted!)

I liked to make it in two, 24 ball batches, instead of one, 50 count batch.

Combine, in a medium bowl, 1 C. powdered sugar, 1/2 C. peanut butter, 3 Tb. butter and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon until starting to combine then switch to your hands (I use plastic gloves to keep from smelling like peanut butter for days).

Spoon out 1 tsp. of filling per candy, roll between palms and place on a wax paper-lined sheet. Cool in the refrigerator 20 minutes if you have time.  Melt 1 C. chocolate chips and 1 Tb. shortening in the microwave for about a minute (follow the instructions on the chocolate chip package.)

Drop the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and roll around until coated. If the chocolate is still really hot, work fast so the peanut butter doesn't melt. Return to the waxed paper and put in refrigerator to cool.

Thanks to Down to Earth Whole Foods for sponsoring Foodie Fridays.  Find lots of organic, locally sourced food items at their store on Grant  Ave., Endicott.

 

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM