OUR TOWN COOKS!

By DONNA NICKEL

OH – IO...Scarlet and Gray Fever swept through the state last month with the OSU-Michigan game. Rumor had it there were more than a few game-viewing parties hosted right here in our town. While all eyes were glued to the television screen, quite a bit of nervous nibbling took place, emptying the many snack bowls and party trays.
With the big bowl game looming in the near future, fans everywhere (well, those of us who find any reason at all to peruse cookbooks) are already engaged in party menu planning strategy. With a theme like Ohio State Football, the obvious sweet treat choice is Ohio State Buckeye Candy, a sinfully scrumptious, round, peanut butter ball dipped in melted chocolate. Resembling the state symbol, Buckeye Candy packs a big bang for very little effort.Be sure to make several batches well ahead of Game Day because they are also wonderful accents on holiday cookie trays.
This tried and true recipe was found in A Taste of North Canton Cookbook, published by the North Canton Newcomers (1993). It was submitted by Jean Marie Hanlon.

Ohio State Buckeyes

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chocolate chips, melted

Line two cookie sheets with waxed paper. With an electric mixer, beat peanut butter, butter and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar and flour until well blended. Roll rounded teaspoons into 1-inch balls. Arrange on prepared cookie sheets and refrigerate one hour or until firm. Spear one ball at a time with a toothpick and dip into melted chocolate to cover 2/3 of ball. Arrange on cookie sheet, chocolate side down. Buckeyes can be stored in refrigerator for up to two months.