Old Fashioned Appalachian Potato Candy

Instructions

1. Prepare the potato. Peel the whole potato, boil it until tender, and mash it thoroughly until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps — a smooth potato base helps the dough come together evenly later. Begin with a small potato, as even a modest amount yields a generous batch of candy.
2. Add powdered sugar to form the dough. Place the mashed potato in a bowl and start adding powdered sugar gradually. At first, the mixture will loosen and become almost runny — this is expected. Continue adding powdered sugar slowly, stirring between additions, until it thickens and eventually forms a workable dough. The dough should be firm enough to roll without sticking excessively.
3. Prepare your work surface. Dust your countertop or board generously with powdered sugar. Sprinkle your rolling pin as well to prevent the dough from sticking. Transfer the dough to the surface and begin rolling it out into a flat rectangle, maintaining even thickness throughout.
4. Spread the peanut butter. Cover the dough with a smooth, even layer of peanut butter. Leave the edge farthest from you clean, since the peanut butter naturally pushes forward as you roll. Spread to the other three edges to create a consistent swirl.
5. Roll the candy into a log. Starting at the edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. A spatula dusted with powdered sugar can help lift any areas sticking to the surface and assist in keeping the roll tight. Continue rolling until the seam meets the clean edge.
6. Refrigerate until firm. Move the completed log to a tray or wrap it gently in parchment. Refrigerate until fully solid. Chilling helps the candy set, making it much easier to slice cleanly.
7. Slice and enjoy. Once firm, slice the log into rounds to reveal the classic peanut butter swirl. The candy should be soft, sweet, and rich — a nostalgic treat that’s incredibly easy to overindulge in, so enjoy with good sense!

Serving Notes

This candy keeps well refrigerated and can be made ahead for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sentimental treat. Its old-fashioned simplicity is part of its charm, and sharing it often brings back memories for anyone who grew up with Appalachian cooking. Sweet, creamy, and delightfully nostalgic, it’s a humble recipe that stands the test of time.