Mud Balls

Of all holiday treats, Mud Balls are hands down my favorite.  Ever since I was a kid, I just can't resist them.  So I don't make them very often, but I just have to have them at Christmas.  And this past Christmas was no exception.

I mean, how can you resist such yumminess?

My chocolate dipping tools:  two inexpensive forks with the middle tines bent backwards with pliers.  

I use both forks for dipping but I had to hold the camera with one hand!  I use both forks to roll the ball around gently in the chocolate to cover it completely, then I use the fork in my dominant hand to cradle the ball while gently tapping the bottom of the ball on the other fork.

The final product displayed on plastic Target dishware made into a tiered server using Lucite candlesticks and glass/bead glue.

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter, melted 

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup coconut

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1 pound powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla

1/4 bar household wax*

8-10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

1.  In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except the wax and chocolate.  Shape into balls.  (I use a small cookie scoop for this to portion the balls, then I roll them in my hands to make them smooth).

2.  In a double boiler, melt the wax and chocolate chips completely.  Keep on very low or remove from heat altogether (but keep the double boiler sitting over the hot water).

3.  Dip balls one at a time, allowing excess chocolate to drop off before setting each ball on waxed paper to set.

Makes about 60. 

Source:  my Mom

Notes:

• Please use butter.  Please, please, please!
• The original recipe calls for 12 ounces of chocolate but that always leaves a LOT leftover.
• *Don't freak out about eating wax.  I have checked on this and it's fine.  It's completely edible.  I promise.  Plus the amount per ball is so tiny.  It will make the Mud Balls shiny and smooth and they will dry better with it than without.  (I use GULF brand...it comes in a small box and has 4 rectangular bricks in it...you can find it in the canning aisle usually.)
• If you want the taste of Mud Balls without the work, make Mud Bars.  Instead of making the "dough" into balls, press the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan.  Then melt the chocolate chips (without the wax) and pour over the top, spreading evenly.  Allow to set before cutting into bars.

Enjoy!