Christmas Cooking Countdown-11 Days to Christmas Peanut Butter Balls

Yesterday I wrote about a home made version of my favorite grocery store candy peppermint patties:


However, I think most people love the good old peanut butter cup best and have for a long time (just take a look at this old school commercial). 

 Luckily there is another easy home made version from The Joy of Baking website.

Peanut Butter Balls from Joy of Baking

They don't look to great, but they taste delicious

2 cups or 1 standard jar of creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup of butter, softened

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

9 ounces semisweet chocolate

1 tbsp shortening

Put the peanut butter, butter, and salt in a microwave safe bowl  and heat for about one minute, checking after 30 seconds, until everything is soft and easy to combine.  Stir well with a wooden spoon and then add the vanilla extract and confectioners sugar and mix thoroughly until a stiff dough forms (you may need to add a bit more sugar).  Scoop out tablespoon amounts and roll the dough into balls placing the balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm (or freeze for about an hour).  Then melt the chocolate and shortening over very low  heat, whisking until smooth.  Dip the balls in the chocolate and place back on the cookie sheet.  Refrigerate until chocolate has hardened.  These keep about a month.