One Potato, Two Potato...Candy:)

What a sweet way to add a little fun to St. Patrick's Day...candy disguised as potatoes! (These would also be great for April Fool's Day!) I just love this kind of tricky treat.  The bonus is, that they are actually very tasty, according to me and my husband anyway.  I just made them this morning and haven't had any other taste-testers yet.

These mini spuds measure only 1" by 1 1/2", enough for two bites, or one big bite:)  My husband had a hard time eating only a couple, and I must admit that these sweet little taters are as addictive as french fries, their savory cousin.

When you mix a bit of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and walnuts, you end up with a confection that is not only CUTE, but satisfies the sweet tooth!   On this very rainy day in California, the aroma of roasting walnuts wafting from the kitchen was heavenly, which is reason enough to make these:) Roasting the walnuts adds such great flavor!

I have a big stack of brown lunch bags (above) to package these, tie with a green ribbon or raffia, and attach a tag. They will make perfect little St. Paddy's Day gifts or favors.

Sweet "Potatoes" (Martha Stewart)
 Beat 4 tablespoons each softened unsalted butter and cream cheese with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt until pale and fluffy.  Mix in 1 pound powdered sugar and 2 cups walnuts (toasted, cooled and finely chopped) until smooth. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Roll dough (1 tablespoon each-I didn't measure) between your hands.  Shape into "potatoes." Roll in ground cinnamon, brush off excess with a pastry brush.  To create "eyes," stick in walnut pieces.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Makes 40(depending on size).
Have Fun!
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