Buckeyes

(snicker, snicker, har har har)

Since my daughter firmly believes that the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and buckeye balls, tradition mandates that every year for the holidays, I make these chocolate peanut butter candies which bear resemblance to the real deal.

If you're not familiar with the buckeye, I'll just let you know that it is the state tree of Ohio and its fruit (nut) has become a symbol of tradition with regard to all that is Ohio State University. The term Buckeye applies to students, alumni, sports fans and Ohio residents in general. In my case, though I no longer live in Ohio, I remain a Buckeye by birthright.

You don't have to be a Buckeye to enjoy these little balls of chocolate peanut butter bliss, but if you are, you'll love them even more!

Buckeyes

1 stick (8 TBSP) butter, room temperature
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 TBSP shortening

Cream butter, peanut butter and vanilla together in mixing bowl. Slowly add in powdered sugar until all is incorporated and the dough sticks together nicely. Form dough into 1" balls and place on cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place cookie sheet in freezer while preparing the chocolate.

In double boiler, melt chocolate and shortening. Stir until smooth. With a toothpick, dunk each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving just a little bit of the peanut butter ball uncovered. Place back on cookie sheet. Allow chocolate to firm. Store Buckeyes in a covered container in the refrigerator.