All Decked Out: Leprechauns and Potatoes

Leprechauns and Potatoes

Friday, March 16, 2012 2 Comments »

My daughter-in-law, Jamie, makes sure her children remember the Irish heritage from her side of the family. Aren't these Deck-rechauns the cutest? Baby Owen isn't quite sure what to make of it all.

I would not be surprised if some leprechauns make a visit to their house tonight to create a little mischief. Last year they opened the kitchen cabinets, put the cooking pots in the floor, turned the breakfast room chairs upside down, and even left a few "gold coins". Those leprechauns are really tricky!

My family, on the other hand, is Pennsylvania German. I'm going to make some Am-rish Potatoes tomorrow to eat for dessert after our corned beef dinner. What are Am-rish Potatoes, you ask? They are candy Irish Potatoes, but made the way our Pennsylvania Amish make potato candy. Try it with your kids or grandkids -- it's tons of fun, and it's neat to see them turn left-over mashed potatoes into a yummy, sweet treat.

Patti's Am-rish Potatoes

1/4 cup mashed potatoes (made without milk, butter or seasonings)

3 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup shredded coconut

1 tablespoon butter

Cinnamon

Put potatoes in large bowl. Add sugar, vanilla extract, coconut and butter. Mix well. Knead several minutes, adding more sugar, if necessary, to make a stiff dough. Tear off a teaspoon of dough and form into a small log/potato shapes. Roll in cinnamon. Lay on wax paper for 1 hour to dry. Store in an airtight container.