Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes

🍬👨‍🍳 Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes 🥜

What is it?
Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes are a delightful sweet treat that originated in the United States. They are a type of candy, specifically peanut butter balls, often dipped in chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble the nut of a buckeye tree, native to Ohio. These bite-sized delights are perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

History:
The name “Buckeye” comes from the resemblance of the candy to the nut of the buckeye tree, which is the state tree of Ohio. The treat’s exact origin is a bit unclear, but it’s commonly associated with the state of Ohio and has been a favorite at holiday gatherings and events for generations.

Components:

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like. It should be easy to handle without being too sticky.

2. Shape the Buckeyes:

   • Take small portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a small portion uncovered to resemble buckeyes.

3. Chill the Buckeyes:

   • Put the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in 30-second increments, stirring each time until it’s smooth and fully melted.

5. Dip the Buckeyes:

   • Using a toothpick or a skewer, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top portion exposed to resemble a buckeye. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.

6. Set and Serve:

   • Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
   • Allow them to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating hardens.

7. Enjoy:

   • Once the chocolate has hardened, your Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes are ready to enjoy!

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes depends on your skill level and how quickly you can complete each step. On average, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish, including the chilling and setting time.

These delicious peanut butter and chocolate treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. Enjoy! 🍫🥜😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving, assuming a batch makes about 36 pieces):

• Calories: 120-150 calories per buckeye
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams
• Sodium: 30-40 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
  • Sugars: 10-12 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes are a sweet and indulgent treat, but they are calorie-dense due to the combination of peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate. Enjoy them in moderation to manage calorie intake.

2. Fat Content: These buckeyes contain a moderate amount of fat, primarily from peanut butter and the chocolate coating. While peanut butter does provide healthy fats, excessive consumption may contribute to higher calorie intake.

3. Sugar: The main source of sugar in this recipe is powdered sugar and the chocolate coating. High sugar intake can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, so it’s wise to consume buckeyes in moderation, especially if you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake.

4. Protein: There is a small amount of protein in Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes, primarily from peanut butter. However, they are not a significant source of protein.

5. Fiber: Buckeyes are not a significant source of dietary fiber.

6. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, making them suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.

7. Allergies: Be cautious if you have peanut allergies, as peanut butter is a key ingredient. You can explore alternative nut or seed butter options to make a similar treat.

8. Portion Control: Due to their sweet and calorie-rich nature, it’s important to exercise portion control when enjoying these treats to maintain a balanced diet.

Remember that while Andrea Cassoni’s Buckeyes are delicious, they should be considered an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Enjoy them in moderation and balance them with other nutritious foods for overall well-being.