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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Buckeye Balls



Here is an easy-to-make candy that is always popular during the holidays. I dare you to eat just one!

Why are they called buckeye balls? Because they look just like the nuts of the Ohio Buckeye Tree (Aesculus glabra). Some people just call them "peanut butter balls" which is basically what they are.

To make the balls, all you need are these 4 ingredients:

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners sugar






Line a baking sheet with wax paper (you may need two depending on the size).

In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar with clean hands to form a smooth stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. (You can experiment with the size you want - some people like them larger, some like them smaller.) Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate.





Hint: I use a small ice-cream scooper to make uniform balls.



In a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water, melt the following (stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat):

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

(You may find that you will need more chocolate. If so, just add more chocolate chips and shortening accordingly).




Remove balls from refrigerator, insert a wooden toothpick into a ball, and dip into melted chocolate. Leave part of the ball uncovered for the buckeye effect. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. The toothpick will leave a hole so if you don't like that, you can smooth it but it will be time-consuming. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. They can also be frozen.
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  1. UnknownDecember 15, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Snif. These are my son's favourite Christmas treat, but he's in Ottawa this Christmas, so I won't be making them. (we don't need them, and they make a LOT, as you know.)

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  2. George GastonDecember 15, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Phillip, you are not playing fair, betting that we "only eat one"! That is an impossible thing to do. Your "buckeyes" look too tempting!

    I am definitely going to make a batch of this delectable treats. Many thanks for the easy to follow recipe.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 15, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    Hi Phillip~~ At first glance I thought they were filberts/hazelnuts--indigenous to the Pacific Northwest and an economic boon. What an amazing similarity. I'll have to show this recipe to my cookie bakers. They look like they're as tasty as they are pretty.

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  4. Becca's DirtDecember 15, 2009 at 10:38 AM

    Yummy and so easy to prepare. I'll try that one. Thanks

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  5. Barbee'December 15, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    And, is that a trowel shaped spoon rest that I see there on your stove?! Clever!

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  6. Roses and LilacsDecember 15, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    They really do look like buckeyes. I've copied the recipe, it sounds really good.
    Marnie

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  7. Dig, Grow, Compost, BlogDecember 15, 2009 at 12:14 PM

    This time of year is so difficult for those of us who like sweets. Fortunately the combo of peanut butter and chocolate has never been a favorite of mine. Weird, I know!

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  8. Randy EmmittDecember 15, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    Love these yummies! I'd make some but I would eat all of them.

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  9. LonaDecember 15, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    Oh, they are so delicious.We Buckeye's love buckeyes especially the candy ones.

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  10. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressDecember 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    Chocolate + Peanut Butter = Heaven! Those look so good, and I was looking for another candy to make this year. Thanks for the recipe!

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  11. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 15, 2009 at 2:33 PM

    Seeing these makes me look forward to christmas even more. My Sister is the baker in our family and this is one of the items she makes every year. My mouth is watering.

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  12. Susan TomlinsonDecember 15, 2009 at 3:08 PM

    My mother-in-law makes these every year and sends them to us for Christmas. I _adore_ them.

    Adore.

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  13. AaerelonDecember 15, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    *Drool*

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  14. Deborah Younglao, Silk PainterDecember 15, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    Oh my these do look yummy! How can they be so easy to make?

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  15. GailDecember 16, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    Phillip, I'm sending this post immediately to my sister the baker and cookie maker! The recipe sounds delicious and she will be tickled pink to have a new one to tempt her kids...All grown up now, I should add. Thanks, gail

    ReplyDelete
  16. debsgardenDecember 16, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    I just discovered your blog - it's nice to see another Alabama garden! Those peanut butter balls look yummy; peanut butter and chocolate is one of my family's favorite taste combinations. I will have to give these a try.

    ReplyDelete
  17. debsgardenDecember 16, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    I just discovered your blog - it's nice to see another Alabama garden! Those peanut butter balls look yummy; peanut butter and chocolate is one of my family's favorite taste combinations. I will have to give these a try.

    ReplyDelete
  18. joeyDecember 17, 2009 at 3:30 AM

    Yum, Philip ... for years, a traditional Holiday treat in our home (with help from their father, my grandboys made them for a teacher's gift :) Happy Holidays!

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  19. Deborah Younglao, Silk PainterDecember 17, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    Coincidentally, my neighbor put a plate of these in my mailbox today! Hadn't tasted them before.... they're great! Much better than Reese's PB Cups, since they're not as sweet.

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  20. WayneDecember 18, 2009 at 2:47 AM

    Peanut butter and chocolate. ummmmm! Thanks again for an easy tasty recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  21. DDecember 18, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    Hello Phillip,

    When you have a chance, would you stop by my blog and pick something up?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Southern AspirationsDecember 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM

    oh those look so dangerous. Yum yum. Perhaps I will add to my list of Christmas goodies to make tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  23. pierreDecember 19, 2009 at 3:10 AM

    Hi Philipp
    this is just great and I love these tiny balls with chocolate !! thanks for the sharing !!
    I am Pierre based in Paris France and I have created my food blog with inventive french food come and have a visit you are very welcome !! se you sson ! Pierre

    ReplyDelete
  24. compost in my shoeDecember 19, 2009 at 6:46 AM

    I work with an Ohio State boy who brings them back from Ohio after visiting his parents for the holidays. That time is almost here!!!!

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  25. James GoldenDecember 21, 2009 at 4:41 AM

    Didn't you know I'm on a diet? As punishment, I've tagged you with an Honest Scrap Award at http://federaltwist.blogspot.com/2009/12/honest-scrap-award.html.

    ReplyDelete
  26. LiisaDecember 21, 2009 at 6:11 AM

    Phillip,
    Every time I come here, I either gain a pant size or find a new plant I want. Your blog spells d-a-n-g-e-r! But, it is always such a treat to visit!! I think peanut butter balls and peppermint bark are my favorite holiday treats!!

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  27. Annie in AustinDecember 28, 2010 at 1:57 PM

    Hi Phillip, I missed this post because I was baking other cookies to ship to my kids ;-]

    Buckeyes became a favorite in our family after the recipe was shared at a cookie exchange over 30 years ago - but we had to tweak the ingredients...

    Y'all might be surprised to know the original recipe didn't call for shortening to melt with the chocolate for dipping. It used block paraffin, the stuff on top of homemade jelly, to make the coating flow. We swapped it out for for shortening the second time we made it.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    ReplyDelete

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