Subject: potato candy
From: katharine
Date: 12/19/2022, 6:50 AM
To: phaedrus@hungrybrowser.com
On 12/18/2022 5:54 PM, katharine wrote:
Hi Phaedrus,
I am wondering if you could locate a recipe for me. My Grandmother used to make potato candy.
It was sweet and covered in chocolate. I am assuming it must have been made during the Great
Depression but yet I really don’t know what the ingredients are. It could have been even from
the very late 1800’s. I don’t think they were baked. Anyway thank you so much. She was from
New Hampshire her husband was from New Jersey. Both Scottish and English decent again much
thanks and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Hello Katharine,
The candy may have been "Needhams." Needhams are associated with the state of Maine, which is apparently where they originated in about 1870, and New Hampshire is geographically right next door to Maine.
"Needhams" fit your description, but Needhams contain coconut, which you do not mention. For an excellent article about Needhams, with photos and a recipe, see:
New England Historical Society
Not all recipes for this type of candy are called "Needhams." For other recipes, see: Chocolate Potato Candy
By far, the majority of recipes for this type of candy contain coconut, but a few do not. See these recipes:
Mashed Potato Candy 1
Mashed Potato Candy 2
Chocolate Potato Candy
Phaed
