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irish gems

(11 ratings)
nanajc2004 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Judy Few
@nanajc2004
Fort Worth, TX

These are a good use for leftover mashed potatoes. I've seen other recipes that say to use unseasoned mashed potatoes, but I use leftovers. Been making these for 40 years, and they're a big hit with coconut lovers.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

These Irish Gems are an old-fashioned and delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Combining mashed potatoes with powdered sugar and coconut reminds us of a candy bar filling. Topping them with chocolate adds a touch of sweetness. If you like coconut, you'll love this candy recipe.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(11 ratings)
yield 24 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For irish gems

  • 3/4 c
    mashed potatoes
  • 1 box
    powdered sugar (16 oz)
  • 4 c
    coconut
  • 1 tsp
    vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp
    salt
  • 6 oz
    chocolate chips
  • 1/2 oz
    paraffin

How To Make irish gems

Test Kitchen Tips
Food-grade paraffin can be hard to find. We used 1 Tbsp of shortening instead. We recommend chilling and storing these in the refrigerator.
  • Mashed potatoes, sugar, coconut, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
    1
    Blend together mashed potatoes and sugar. Add coconut, vanilla, and salt.
  • Teaspoons dropped onto a greased cookie sheet to chill.
    2
    Drop a teaspoon onto wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Shape into peaks. Let stand uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Melted chocolate in a saucepan.
    3
    Over very low heat in a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and paraffin.
  • Drizzling chocolate over the mashed potato mounds.
    4
    Using a teaspoon, pour the chocolate mixture over the peaks of the candy. Cool. Makes approximately 4 dozen.
  • Texture of the Irish Gems.
    5
    Note: You can also add about 2 cups of chopped pecans. Note: If you shape the mixture around an almond, and dip the ball in the chocolate, you have a mini faux Almond Joy!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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