buckeyes

ohio is known as the buckeye state: it is the state free, the name of ohio state university's sports team, a nickname for the local residents and the name of the peanut butter and chocolate balls crafted to look like the nuts that fall from the same-named tree

Total time: 1hr 5 mins 

Prep: 10 mins 

Inactive prep: 50 mins 

Cook: 5 mins 

Makes: 36 buckeyes 

Level: easy

Ingredients: 

2 1/2 cup icing sugar 

1 cup smooth peanut butter 

5 tbsp  unsalted butter 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

pinch of salt 

340h semi sweet chocolate

1 1/2 tsp shortening

Method: 

1. beat the icing sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract and salt with a mixer until well combines. form into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. freeze until firm about 20 mins 

2. put the chocolate and shortening in a medium microwave-safe bowl. microwave for 2 minutes stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. 

3. stick a tooth pick into the top centre of each peanut butter ball. dip the balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter still visible. allow the excess chocolate to drip off and place back onto the baking sheet 

4. freeze the buckeyes until firm, about 30 mins and then serve at room temp or well chilled.

note: you can smooth the top of the buckeye with a palett knife or spatula.