1 "Irish Potatoes" in a shamrock printed paper bag for St. Patrick's Day
2 Another cute way to present these "spuds"....on burlap!
Looking for a fun treat to make with the kids for St. Patrick's Day? These cute little faux "spuds" are your answer! Though they look just like real potatoes, they are actually a fudge-like candy that your kids will love and is quite easy to make. Growing up, I had sampled iterations of these candies, called "Irish Potatoes," from several of my Irish friends and was always shocked at how real they looked. Traditionally, they are made with cream cheese and coconut and rolled in cinnamon. But, in my recipe, I decided to swap out the coconut for walnuts because I think they make for a more delicious flavor profile, and I find their texture more appealing. Here is how I make them...
"Irish Potatoes"
4 tablespoons softened butter
4 ounces softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
6 ounces walnuts, toasted cooled and finely chopped (in food processor) plus extra for garnish
1 pound confectioner’s sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon for rolling
Cream together butter, cream cheese, vanilla and salt on high speed until lightened. Beat in walnuts and sugar until smooth. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm enough to roll. Roll about 1 tablespoon in your hands and shape to look like mini potatoes. Roll in cinnamon and brush off excess with a pastry brush. If you would like to create “eyes” stick a few pieces of walnut in some of the potatoes using a tweezer. Chill 30 minutes. Serve.
Here are some behind the scenes pictures from our photo shoot for the potatoes. They are in this month's Good Things column along with another cute idea for spring, Potted Chocolate Mint Puddings...
1 Final pudding shot! Here is how I got there....
2 My first development shot in the test kitchen, weeks before the actual photo shoot. We thought of using another vessel....
3 My second try at choosing a vessel...strike out! But we liked the wooden "shovel!"
4 Photographer Aaron Dyer working his magic...
5 All of my tools for styling the Potted Puddings...fresh mint plants from the Union Square farmer's market made the puddings come to life!
6 Getting the positioning just right...
7 Getting the potatoes positioned on the surface...
8 Adding walnut "eyes" to the potatoes and giving a few final brush strokes to remove some of the cinnamon dusting...
9 Final "Irish Potatoes" shot!!
Also, take a look at our arsenal of St. Patrick's Day recipes!
From: Ginny Conway | 3/8/11 at 7:51 am
Oh My Gosh, this is just about the cutest St. Patricks Day treat I've ever seen! How creative?! I can't wait to make these with my children. Thank you for inspiring me.
From: Kris Kurek | 3/9/11 at 11:39 am
Thank you so much, Ginny!! I would love to hear how it goes!!!
From: irish potato candies | shoes and souffle | 3/16/11 at 9:21 am
[...] of potatoes and cabbage instead I made tiny candies that look like potatoes. This kid-friendly irish potato candy recipe was super easy to put together and required very little ingredients. Just don’t read the [...]
From: Ginya | 3/17/11 at 6:50 pm
Just got home from my sister's house where we were treated to Irish potatoes. They contained the traditional coconut(instead of walnuts) but were in no way as realistic looking as yours. Loking forward to trying your recipe. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!
From: Kris Kurek | 3/21/11 at 3:52 pm
Why thank you, Ginya!! I hope you enjoy them!
From: Saint Patty’s Day Inspiration « Maknwaves | 3/14/12 at 6:04 pm
[...] Irish Potatoes via testkitchen.marthastewart.com [...]
From: Irish Spuds « Happy Home Fairy | 3/15/12 at 6:01 am
[...] Whip up a batch of this yummy Irish Potato Candy from Martha Stewart. [...]
From: 5 DIY Projects to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Style | Diet Fitness and Health | 3/17/12 at 12:37 am
[...] may look like any old version of the fried tuber, but it's got some secret ingredients. This recipe from Taste of the Test Kitchen includes cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon. Authentic Irish [...]
From: East Village Festival of Lameness TONIGHT! And Other News. « | 3/17/12 at 8:31 am
[...] your kids butter and other stuff that is shaped like Irish food. (Martha [...]