Gluten-free goodie of the week: Buckeye candy

Not everyone is familiar with buckeyes, but if you're from the state of Ohio (or anywhere nearby), you think of two things: The Ohio State University and its sports teams (nicknamed the Buckeyes), and if it's the holiday season, the candy that resembles a buckeye nut (from the state tree, the buckeye).

 

Go crazy for this candy

The nut from the buckeye tree is small, round and shiny brown, with a bit of a tan color that is exposed. Leave it to folks to come up with a sweet, traditional treat that combines the great tastes of chocolate and peanut butter and resembles a buckeye nut!

This candy treat is delicious and is a holiday tradition, at least in some parts of the country. Perfect to serve at New Year's parties, you should give making the Buckeye candies a try, no matter where you live!

Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Buckeye candy recipe

Yields approximately 80

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 pound gluten-free confectioners' sugar (check the label)
• 1 (12 ounce) bag of milk chocolate chips
• Waxed or parchment paper
• Toothpicks for dipping

Directions:

1. Mix the peanut butter, butter and confectioners' sugar together until you reach a smooth mixture.
2. Form the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls and place them on baking sheets lined with waxed or parchment paper.
3. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate until it's smooth. Using the toothpicks, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a portion exposed (about the size of a coin).
4. Use your finger to lightly smooth out the small hole in the candy left behind from the toothpick.
5. You can refrigerate the candy on the baking sheets until they've firmed up. Store in an airtight container.

It's a special time of year! Indulge in some tasty treats, Ohio-style!

More gluten-free goodies to try

Peppermint brownie cakes
Cranberry swirl spice cake
French-style macaroons
Rosemary-hazelnut shortbread cookies

Photo credit: stevendepolo via Flickr