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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Washington State Buckeyes


HORSE CHESTNUTS.   As kids, we used these spiked balls as artillery during neighborhood play (ouch). I grew up thinking the nuts insides were chestnuts - the kind you roasted on an open fire. As an adult, my palate prefers another chestnut - or Buckeyes as they call 'em back east. That's New York east, not Ohio east.

NO OVEN REQUIRED.  These fall into the quintessential No Bake category - a quick and easy treat featuring the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate. The boys at BAKED veer from the traditional recipe of rolled balls with powdered sugar and peanut butter - adding their own twist:  graham cracker crumbs. It gives these chestnuts a unique texture and flavor. Their dark chocolate coating, much like a fresh coat of Smucker's Magic Shell, is Pound Plus - direct from our brand-spanking-new, incredibly-staffed, first-ever Trader Joe's store. Can you tell I'm a bit elated? This 72% dark chocolate takes the edge off the powerfully-sweet confection. Set these out on your holiday table and watch them disappear. They come pre-shelled, without the spikes.


Grab the recipe and view all the festive BAKED BAKERS' BALLS  over on BAKED SUNDAY MORNINGS. 

 – mike

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hooray for a new Trader Joe's! I have a giant pound-plus bar in my pantry too :)

Elaine said...

Your buckeyes look perfect and your photos are just fabulous, Mike! I love, love the glittery gold background and your little gold-edged bowl is super cute. :) We lived in Ohio when I was little and I had an Ohio State Buckeye sweatshirt that I wore until it fell apart. I agree with you that the buckeyes are pretty because you can see some of the peanut butter peeking out and the dark chocolate does make them less sweet than the traditional peanut butter balls. Beautifully done!

Chelly said...

Wow...nice photos! Nice buckeyes! They look perfect! I love Trader Joes!

Chelly said...

Wow...nice photos! Nice buckeyes! They look perfect! I love Trader Joes!

Rebecca said...

Yours look so great! I don't think I have ever seen a buckeye -- either the nut or the candy -- before this but they sure were delicious.

Candy said...

I'm so jealous! We are finally getting a Trader Joe's but it won't be open for a while. Great looking candy!

Bourbonnatrix said...

wow! i love your pictures! i wish i had half your skills!

Trevor Sis Boom said...

What wonderful "quintessential balls"! And congrats on the Trader Joes. Life will never be the same for you!

Susan said...

Beautifully done, Mike! You will become a Trader Joe's regular in no time!

Have a Merry Christmas!