Buckeyes

I have tried several different recipes for buckeyes and this is my favorite (with some modification to make them easier!)

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 stick softened butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

*combine the peanut butter, the butter (this is easier if you make it pretty soft-close to melting) and the vanilla. You can use a mixer or mix it yourself, I have done it both ways and don't have a preference.
*gradually add the powder sugar while mixing---don't get in a rush, gradually add the powder sugar and mix is up well before adding more
*once it is all mixed, start taking small scoops of mixture and roll it into balls. Make the ball a little smaller then you want the finished product to be since you will be adding chocolate
*place these on a plate or cookie sheet covered in wax paper and stick a toothpick in each ball
*stick the balls in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to allow them to harden slightly to make them easier to coat in chocolate.

You have to options for the chocolate coating:
1st option-chocolate melts--you can find these in baking sections of stores or a baking store if you have one--the ones where I live look like little discs. I use the light baking chips because that means milk chocolate.
If you are using baking chips, place several of them in a microwave safe bowl. I use a cereal bowl and half the bag. Stick them in the microwave for 30 seconds, take it out and stir and place it back in for 10 seconds at a time stirring after every 10 seconds until it is all melted and creamy

2nd option-mini chocolate chips and shortening. Place about a cup of mini chips in a microwave safe bowl with a little bit of shortening and put in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and back in for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after every 10 seconds until smooth and creamy

Once you have your chocolate ready, start dipping the peanut butter balls into the chocolate so it cover about 3/4 of the ball-leaving a circle at the top (hence the name buckeye) and place back on the wax paper. Continue until all balls are covered. If the chocolate gets hard-stick back in the microwave at 10 second intervals.

Let the balls set up so the chocolate is hard to the touch. You can place them in the freezer or the fridge but if you are going to set them out-they will get condensation on them from going from the freezer to the warm air.  Just an FYI.

Serve and enjoy! Beware they are addictive!