Something from Nothing

There is an art to satisfying the craving of a family when you do not have a lot in the cupboard. To be able to whip up something fun and delicious when you really do not have the extra dollars it takes to buy bakery goods or packaged cookies and candies. Because we all have days when we have to have something sweet right that moment!

There should be some staples in your pantry. Peanut butter ( a wonderfully diverse little spread), Vanilla, potatoes (They are a requirement), and ..... are you ready?... Powdered sugar. You may want to make this when they are not watching you, so that the first time they eat this they will fall in love and not be quick to judge the ingredients. I have freaked out more than one child / grandchild when they saw first hand what was happening.

Take about 1/4 of a potato, pealed and washed. Boil it in plain water until it is just beyond fork tender, but can be mashed with a fork. Drain and mash in a small mixing bowl until it is smooth. Depending on the size of your potato, you may need anywhere from a cup to a pound of powdered sugar, add small amounts at a time. At first the sugar will react and it will all become liquid. At this point add approximately one teaspoon vanilla. Keep adding the sugar until it starts to become a dough and you can no longer use a spoon / fork to mix it, and have to resort to your hands. The dough needs to reach the considtancey of pie dough. Once it does, you will roll it out like pie dough using powdered sugar to prevent sticking. The thickness should be the same. Now, the peanut butter, cover the surface with a solid layer, you should not be able to see white through the peanut butter. Now roll it like a jelly roll, it may crack, that is fine, keep rolling until you have a giant tube. Chill. Slice into pinwheel pieces and serve.

This is a simple little candy you can make yourself and is both pleasng to looking and really good. It it made from items that should already be in the pantry and does not generate financial demands just to have something sweet!