Conference turris::cooks

    My mother used to make potato candy at Christmas every year.  This
    recipe is great for kids because it is so easy.
    
    Peel, boil and mash one medium potato
    Add enough confectioner's sugar to make a dough
      (this is usually around a pound and depends on the size
       of the potato)
    
    Roll out into a rectangle.  Spread with peanut butter.  Roll
    up jellyroll style and slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds.
    
    This makes a VERY sweet confection so you might want to slice
    them thin.  You can also color the potato mixture for added
    interest.
    
    Judy
    

    	Since this is the season when everyone goes crazy making candy
    	for gifts, I thought you might like to try the following.  This
        is from a friend...I try not to make too much candy, since I'm
        a member of WW and don't need the temptation around!
	
    	- Judy
        
    
     	PIONEER POTATO CANDY
	^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

	1   C. warm unseasoned mashed potatoes
        1/2 t. salt
	2   t. vanilla
	2   lbs. confectioners sugar
	1   lb. chocolate for dipping
	2/3 C. ground salted peanuts
	          OR
	1   C. shredded coconut

	Combine potato, salt and vanilla in 4 qt mixing bowl.

	Sift sugar over potato mixture, stirring and adding 

	about 1 cup at a time.  Knead after it thickens.  After
	
	kneading, cover with a damp cloth; chill until a small

	spoonful can be rolled into a ball.  Shape into small

	(1/2") balls.  Dip balls into melted chocolate.  Then

	roll in nuts or coconut.  Makes about 8 dozen 1/2" balls

	or 2 lbs.

    1 medium-sized boiled potatoe, peeled, put through ricer,
      finely grated
    1 tsp butter, softened
    1 pound confectioner's sugar
    2/3 cup shredded coconut, optional
    1 tsp vanilla
    Dash of salt
    
    Topping:
    
    2 squares semisweet chocolate, melted
    
    Mix potato, butter, sugar, coconut, vanilla and salt.  Place in an
    8-inch by 8-inch pan or deep-sided 8-inch cake pan.  Flatten batter and
    pour melted chocolate on top.  Chill overnight.  Cut into small pieces. 
    It sounds strange, but it is delicious.  A great alternative to fudge!
    
    (Copied from the Boston Globe)
    

    A question on that last recipe for Potato Candy... Does any one know
    what a "ricer" is?  Will a food processor work as well, shredding the
    potato?
    
    Jennifer

    A ricer is triangular shaped metal container with lots of holes
    in the sides.  It usually comes with a wooden utensil that is used
    to force contents through the holes.  The ricer is shaped something
    like this (and does have a handle).  My mom used to use one to make
    the same candy and it is delicious.  She always rolls it out and
    then spreads peanutbutter on it, then rolls it up and wraps in saran
    wrap and puts it in the refrig to harden.  Then just slice off pieces
    when you want to serve.  It can also be frozen without a problem.
    (She also used it alot for canning usually for making tomato sauce.
                                                                               
                    
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 A ricer is a utensil used for making mashed potatoes. It is comprised of a
short cylinder which has many holes drilled in it and a piston attached to 
handles for leverage. You place the potatoes (cooked) in the cylinder, place 
the piston on top of them and squeeze the handles. The result is "riced" 
potatoes. 

 The Doctah

What .-1 says is what I've seen.  A ricer is like a giant garlic press with 
rice sized holes.  

I've seen the other gizmo mentioned in .-2, as well.  Usually with a large 
pestle and a stand.  It's great for making grape jelly or tomato sauce, or 
applesauce, or anything where you want to cook with the fruit skin, and then 
end up with a puree with no skins.  It's closer to being a coarse china cap 
(chinois?) than a ricer though, but it would do in a pinch.