Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy: 6 Steps to Bliss

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making old fashioned Martha Washington candy. Just the thought of these rich, sweet treats takes me back to family gatherings where we’d all gather in the kitchen, laughter echoing as we mixed, shaped, and dipped these delightful bites.

The aroma of the melted chocolate and the crunch of pecans mixed with the sweet coconut and creamy peanut butter is simply irresistible! Trust me, every time I take a bite, it’s like a warm hug from my childhood.

These candies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of memories, a taste of home, and a classic treat that never goes out of style. So, let’s dive into making these delightful morsels that are sure to bring joy to your family, just like they did for mine!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best old fashioned Martha Washington candy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of chopped pecans: These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that’s essential in this recipe.
• 1 cup of crushed graham crackers: They provide the perfect base and a hint of sweetness. Feel free to crush them finely for a smoother texture!
• 2 cups of powdered sugar: This is what makes these candies sweet and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut: It adds a wonderful chewiness and tropical twist that I absolutely love!
• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter: Use your favorite brand for that rich, nutty flavor that binds everything together.
• 1 lb of chocolate coating or melting chocolate: This is what brings it all together! Choose your favorite chocolate—dark, milk, or even white!—for dipping.

Trust me, having these ingredients lined up will make the entire process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to get our hands a little sticky and make some magic happen! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating these delightful treats!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in those chopped pecans, crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, sweetened shredded coconut, and creamy peanut butter. Wow, the combination of flavors already has my mouth watering! Use a spatula or your hands (don’t be shy!) to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want it to be cohesive and a little sticky so that it holds its shape later on. Trust me, the texture is going to be divine!

Step 2: Shape the Mixture

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to channel your inner artist! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball or shape it into a patty. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for perfect bite-sized pieces. If you want them to look super uniform, try using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to get consistent sizes. I always find it helpful to have a little bowl of water nearby to wet my hands; this helps prevent sticking and makes shaping a breeze!

Step 3: Refrigerate Until Firm

Now, here’s where patience pays off! Place your beautifully shaped candies on a wax paper-lined tray and pop them in the refrigerator. This is super important because chilling them for about 30 minutes will help firm them up, making it easier to dip them in chocolate later. Plus, the anticipation of that first bite makes the waiting worthwhile!

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

While those little beauties chill, let’s melt our chocolate! You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, if you prefer the double boiler method, fill a pot with a bit of water, bring it to a gentle simmer, and place a heatproof bowl on top, stirring the chocolate until it’s silky and melted. Either way, keep an eye on it! You don’t want to overheat the chocolate—nobody likes burnt chocolate!

Step 5: Dip and Coat

Once your candies are firm and your chocolate is nice and smooth, it’s time for the fun part! Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each candy into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them completely. Give them a little shake to remove any excess chocolate before placing them back on the wax paper. Oh, the sight of those chocolate-coated treats is just heavenly!

Step 6: Set and Serve

After dipping, let the chocolate set at room temperature or pop them back in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but I doubt there will be many left! You might want to hide a few for your late-night snack cravings, though—trust me, they’re even better when you sneak one after everyone else has gone to bed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet craving!
• No-Bake Convenience: With no baking required, you can keep your oven free for other holiday dishes or just enjoy a simple, mess-free experience.
• Rich, Decadent Flavors: The combination of buttery pecans, creamy peanut butter, and silky chocolate creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
• Make Ahead: These candies can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy them anytime without the fuss on the day you want to serve them.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts or add different mix-ins like dried fruit or spices to personalize them to your taste!
• Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 24 pieces, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or for bringing to parties and potlucks.

Tips for Success

Ready to take your old fashioned Martha Washington candy to the next level? Here are some pro tips that will ensure your candies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your nuts and coconut are fresh for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can dull the taste of your candies.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Ensuring your mixture is firm before dipping makes it much easier to handle and helps maintain their shape.
• Even Chocolate Coating: When dipping, make sure to fully submerge the candies in chocolate for an even coat. Use a fork to help lift them out and gently tap it against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can even try adding a splash of rum or bourbon for a fun twist!
• Variation Ideas: Swap out the pecans for almonds, walnuts, or even pistachios if you want to mix things up. You can also roll the finished candies in crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun finish!
• Keep It Cool: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the candies for a few minutes after shaping before dipping. This helps prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly when you dip.
• Quality Chocolate Matters: Use a good quality chocolate for coating. It makes a huge difference in taste and texture! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using chocolate melts or candy wafers for a smooth finish.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of making these delightful candies. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional content of these delightful old fashioned Martha Washington candies? Here’s a breakdown based on typical ingredients used in the recipe. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and measurements:

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

These treats are certainly a sweet indulgence, but they also pack a bit of protein and fiber thanks to the nuts and coconut. Enjoy them as an occasional treat, and remember, it’s all about balance and savoring the rich flavors!

FAQ Section

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, you can use almonds, walnuts, or even pistachios. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the candies. For instance, almonds offer a slightly sweeter taste, while walnuts have a more earthy flavor. Just make sure to chop them up finely so they blend well with the rest of the mixture!

How should I store these candies?

To keep your old fashioned Martha Washington candies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! Just make sure they’re completely set before you move them, so the chocolate doesn’t smudge. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them; just remember to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Can I make these ahead of time?

You bet! These candies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a few days in advance and just keep them stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They’re also great for parties or gatherings because they can be made a week ahead of time and taste just as delicious. If you’re planning to serve them at a special occasion, just take them out a little while before serving to let them come to room temperature. The flavors really pop that way!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your old fashioned Martha Washington candies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’re fully set and cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. I always recommend layering them with a bit of parchment paper between each layer to prevent any sticking. If you store them this way in the refrigerator, they’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long, of course!

And here’s the best part: no reheating needed! These candies are delightful served cold or at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy them straight from the fridge. Just take them out a little while before serving for the best flavor and texture. Trust me, they’re just as delicious, if not more, when you savor them at their perfect temperature! Happy snacking!

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