Buckeyes (Ohio)

Ohio is known as the Buckeye state: It is the state tree, the name of Ohio State University's sports teams, a nickname for local residents and the name of the peanut butter and chocolate balls crafted to look like the nuts that fall from the same-named tree. The widespread confection is a simple, no-bake treat - peanut butter and sugar balls are frozen, dipped in melted chocolate, and then refrozen. (And, as any chocolate-peanut-butter fiend will tell you, they taste better than any store-bought candy.)

2½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 cup smooth peanut butter
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp. sea salt
12 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1½ tsp. shortening

Beat the confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla and salt with an electric mixer until well combined. Form into 1” balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.

Place chocolate in the top of a double boiler; place over simmering water, stirring until almost melted. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Stick a toothpick or skewer into the top center of each peanut butter ball. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter still visible. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Freeze the buckeyes until firm, about 30 minutes. Smooth out the hole left by the toothpick with an offset spatula.

Serve at room temperature or well chilled.

Makes 3 dozen.