Buckeye Balls

Hmmm, I hope you’re not thinking what I think your thinking!…LOL.  A great sweet to eat this is.  Easy to–the kiddos would enjoy this!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 3 1/2 cups powedered sugar
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (2 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon solid vegatable shortening (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the melted butter, powedered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla in a large bowl and stir until well blended and smooth.  Chill for 2 hours, or until firm enough to easily handle.  Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a sheet of wax paper.  Melt the chocolate chips and shortening, if using, in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth.  (The shortening makes the chocolate shiny.) With a thin skewer or a toothpick, spear each ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small area uncovered to make it look like a buckeye nut.  Place the dipped balls back on the wax paper to cool and remove the toothpicks.  Drip a bit of melted chocolate over the holes make by the toothpicks.  Chill until firm.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.