Irish Potatoes, A Candy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Irish potato candy made of? ›

The candies have a coconut cream inside (generally made from some blend of coconut, confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and cream or cream cheese) and are rolled in cinnamon on the outside, resulting in an appearance reminiscent of small potatoes.

Potato candy does not have a concrete origin, though it is cited as originating from European immigrants to the Appalachian region, and became a popular Depression-era recipe in the region due to the few and relatively cheap ingredients it utilizes.

The Irish potato is a specific variety of potato that is known for its white flesh and thin skin. It is often used for boiling, mashing, and making fries. It is different from other types of potatoes, such as russet or red potatoes, in terms of its texture and flavor.

The Roots of Irish Potato Candy:

Contrary to its name, Irish Potato Candy contains no potatoes. This sweet creation is more about clever confectionery than tubers. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when Irish immigrants in Philadelphia sought to celebrate their heritage in the United States.

Ireland has rather cool summers and somewhat mild winters. Potatoes are native to South America, and North America is connected, so there are many natural predators and diseases in the Americas. Overall, it is easier to grow potatoes in Ireland or the Andes than in the US,and they will likely be of better quality.

Did you know that the skin of the Irish potato is nutritious? It is true; the potato skins you peel off contain nutrients below it and are useful in preserving nutrients that would otherwise be stripped when potatoes are cooked. Potato peels protect the nutrients contained in potatoes from escaping.

Larger potatoes should be cubed to ensure they cook evenly (peeled first if desired). Smaller potatoes tend to have thin skins and can be boiled whole, no peeling required.

Prep potatoes.

Scrub potatoes clean using a vegetable scrubber. You can also cut your potatoes into smaller pieces depending on what you're making. You can leave the skin on or peel it depending on personal preference. Some argue that leaving the skin on helps the potatoes hold their shape while boiling.

Irish immigrants might have invented them, possibly trying to jump on the opportunity Pennsylvania presented as a candy-making hub. They could've been an accident — a coconut cream Easter egg dropped in cinnamon, perhaps. They might have been intended to fill the candy sales gap between Valentine's Day and Easter.

The potato candy soon became popular among the Irish of Appalachia who were unable to afford more expensive candy, such as chocolates. Potatoes were readily available, the candy was easy to make, and it tasted great. Generations that followed continued to make potato candy, passing the recipe down orally.

Is potato candy made from potatoes? ›

Mix together potatoes, butter or margarine, and milk. Add enough confectioners' sugar to make a stiff dough. Roll out on a flat surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. Spread on a layer of peanut butter and roll up.

According to Macrobiotic nutritionists and health practitioner Shilpa Arora says, "high potassium food items should be encouraged for high BP. Potatoes, beets, carrots, oranges and bananas are excellent food choices." Potassium negates ill effects of sodium, by eliminating sodium through your urine.

Potatoes are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed by everyone, including people with diabetes. However, because of their high carb content, you should limit portion sizes, always eat the skin, and choose low GI varieties, such as Carisma and Nicola.

Solanum tuberosum (Irish Potato, Irish Potatoes, Pomme de Terre, Potato, Potatoes, White Potato, White Potatoes) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.

Dietary Fiber: Roughly 2 grams. Vitamin C: Over 20% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6: Around 10% of the recommended daily intake. Potassium: Nearly 20% of the recommended daily intake.

If you never tried Taiwanese Deep Fried Sweet Potato Balls before, it is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. All you need is THREE simple ingredients, Yam, Sweet Potato Flour, and sugar; THAT'S IT! What is this? A Gluten-Free dessert that you need to try!

Irish potatoes and sweet potatoes are two different types of potatoes. In Nigerian meat pie, Irish potatoes are used as a filling ingredient, while sweet potatoes are not commonly used. Irish potatoes, also known as white potatoes, are starchy potatoes with a white-colored flesh.