Mmmmm... Buckeyes

Our ward's RS Super Saturday is tomorrow. We're supposed to take a family favorite Christmas treat, but I couldn't really think of one. (Except this awesome sugar cookie recipe I have, but it's just too soon for something that Christmasy.) In fact, I guess the only tradition I have concerning Christmas treats is trying lots of new recipes every year.

So I decided to try a new recipe that I've been wanting to try: Buckeyes. Not very Christmasy - but YUM! They look like a bit of work, but they're actually pretty easy and yummy. They're also fun for little boys to help mix, roll, and steal. And did I mention yummy? So here's the recipe. (I got it from the Nestle site.)

Buckeyes

2 cups creamy peanut butter, (not all-natural)

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened

3 3/4 cups (16-oz. box) powdered sugar

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

LINE baking sheets with wax paper.

1. BEAT peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar until mixture holds together and is moistened. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on prepared baking sheets. Freeze for 1 hour.

2. MELT morsels and shortening in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted.

3. DIP peanut butter centers into melted chocolate using a toothpick, leaving a small portion of the center uncovered. Shake off excess chocolate and scrape bottom of candy on side of bowl. Return to baking sheets; refrigerate until chocolate is set. Store in covered container in refrigerator.