No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

These "Peanut Butter Buckeyes" may be the favorite

tailgating treat for Ohio State, but we love 'em just as much here in Boston. There really is no better combination than peanut butter and chocolate and the fact that you don't have to bake these delectable little morsels is just the icing on the...well, ball.

Warning: Do not make these if you are not prepared to eat at least a dozen of them at a time. They are wicked addicting. (We usually eat them right out of the freezer b/c we can't wait for them to thaw!)

Ingredients:
2 C. Confectioners' sugar
3/4 C. Peanut Butter, creamy
4 T. Butter, melted
1/2 t. Vanilla
1/4 t. Salt
6 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 t. Crisco

Method:

1. Line 2 baking sheets with wax paper.
2. Combine all of the ingredients except for the chocolate and the Crisco in a large bowl. Beat well with a wooden spoon until combined.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and transfer onto the baking sheets. Freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate and the Crisco. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Using whatever method you find comfortable, cover or dip the balls into the melted chocolate. Freeze them until firm, and enjoy!

*To make a true "Buckeye" you should leave a tiny bit of the peanut butter showing to mimic the nuts that these things are named after...don't take offense to that last statement if you're from Ohio, it's really a nut from the buckeye tree!


Recipe by Best American Recipes 2005-2006.