Best 4 Best Needhams Recipes
Indulge in the delectable Needham, a classic confection that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. These bite-sized treats hold a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts and hold their own against other beloved sweets. Originating from New England, Needhams have garnered a loyal following that spans generations.
This article presents a curated collection of Needham recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find a recipe that suits your culinary expertise. Each recipe is meticulously detailed, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. From traditional Needhams to innovative variations, this article has something for every Needham enthusiast.
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey as we explore the secrets behind these irresistible confections. With step-by-step guidance and a touch of culinary curiosity, you'll soon be crafting these delectable treats like a pro. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a Needham-making adventure!
MAINE NEEDHAMS
Needhams are typical to Maine. They originated in Portland, Maine by a candy maker who had attended an evangelistic service in Portland in 1872. The evangelist's name was the Rev. George C. Needham and because of many conversions, his name was on everyone's lips. When the candy maker came back to his shop after one of the services, his candy makers were making a new candy. When he asked the name of this candy, a young candy maker said, "Call them Needhams". They are still made today, not only by the candy store, but by all of us Maine-ers who love to cook. Needhams are made with coconut and have a dark chocolate coating. They remind me of a Mound candy bar. They are delicious. This recipe halves easily, but who will want a half batch? Not me. NOTE: Someone reviewed this recipe and said that it was in "Cooking Down East". There is one there but it calls for 1/2 lb. coconut which is 8 oz. This one calls for 2 7-ounce bags or 14 ounces of coconut. If I had gotten it from this cookbook I would have given the woman credit for it, but I didn't. They are all very similar.
Provided by Mimi in Maine
Categories Candy
Time 40m
Yield 66 candies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Pare, cook, and mash potato to make three-quarters of a cup.
- Add salt.
- Using double boiler place butter in it and melt over boiling water.
- Add mashed potato, confectioners sugar, flaked coconut, and vanilla.
- Mix well and turn into a buttered jelly roll pan and spread evenly.
- Place in a cool place to harden.
- When hard, cut into small squares.
- For the dipping chocolate, again use a double boiler.
- Place paraffin in the top over boiling water to melt.
- Then add the two kinds of chocolate and allow to melt.
- Stir well to mix ingredients.
- Dip in the chocolate mixture (with a fork, toothpick, or cake tester--I use a fork and put the square on top of the tines and dip it, letting the excess chocolate drip off before I lay it on the waxed paper).
- Hold each square over the chocolate mixture after dipping so the square drains well (I usually will have to reheat the chocolate inbetween dippings so it is nice and thin and drips of easily).
- Place on waxed paper to harden.
- Should make about 66 good sized needhams.
- This halves easily.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129.2, Fat 5.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 3.8, Sodium 55.5, Carbohydrate 21.1, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 18.5, Protein 0.7
BEST NEEDHAMS
Truly a Maine treat. From my Cooking Down East recipe book, whose pages are very worn.
Provided by Mary Beam
Categories Chocolate
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Pare and cook potato to make 3/4 cup mashed. Add salt.
- 2. Use a double boiler to melt the margarine.
- 3. Add the potato, confectioner's sugar, coconut & vanilla.
- 4. Mix well, then turn onto a buttered jelly roll pan, spreading evenly.
- 5. Place in a cool place to harden. When hard, cut into small squares and dip in the following chocolate mixure.
- 6. In a double boiler, place paraffin on boiling water to melt.
- 7. Add both types of chocolate to the pan and melt. Stir well to mix.
- 8. Use a toothpick to dip the squares in the chocolate and put on waxed paper to harden.
TRADITIONAL MAINE NEEDHAMS
This is an internet recipe from an inn in Maine. They look delicios. The cook time is acually the time for dipping. It is just a quess.
Provided by MARIA MAC
Categories Candy
Time 35m
Yield 12 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook potatoes unseasoned, then mash to
- make 3/4 cup.
- Combine salt, potatoes, melted butter, confectioner's sugar, flaked
- coconut and vanilla in a mixer until smooth and well blended.
- Turn into a lined jelly roll pan.Spread evenly (mixture will be very thick), then.
- place in refrigerator to harden (24 hours).
- Cut into small squares and dip in chocolate coating.
- For coating: melt paraffin and semi-sweet chocolate at the top of a double boiler.
- Turn down heat and add chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate has melted but mixture is still slightly thick. Keeping heat low to maintain melt, dip Needhams to coat. Place dipped squares on wax paper to cool. Needhams will keep very well for a long time refrigerated and will
- actually improve in flavor over a few weeks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.5, Fat 21.4, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 10.4, Sodium 217.1, Carbohydrate 110.5, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 103.1, Protein 2.5
NEEDHAMS
These are oh so good and taste like the real deal! I gave candy parties for many years with my fondant chocolates. I made these at the same time as the Chocolate Dipping Recipe was the same and it was a convenient truth! My fondant recipe is posted as well.
Provided by Susan Cutler
Categories Chocolate
Time 4h
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Boil a couple of potatoes, let cool completely and mash, making sure there are no lumps. Add salt and coconut to cooled potato mixture along with the melted butter. Slowly add the confectionery sugar and vanilla next into the potato mixture. Spread mixture on cookie sheet that has been buttered.
- 2. Let set to firm up in cool dry place such as refrigerator or just outside in winter cold temperatures, covered. After needhams have completely cooled and set or firmed up (not frozen)have your 'Dipping Chocolate" ready in a double boiler.
- 3. Let ingredients melt in double boiler - probably will take over low heat about 2 hours. Use a candy dipping stick or a very large needle to dip each piece of candy after you have cut candy into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. Put candy after dipping on wax paper until set. Keep candy in covered container in refrigerator or in gift giving boxes/containers. Keep refrigerated!
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your doughnuts.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it's not, your doughnuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot or pan when frying. This will cause the doughnuts to stick together and not cook evenly.
- Drain the doughnuts on paper towels after frying. This will help remove any excess oil.
- Dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. This will help the sugar stick and give the doughnuts a professional look.
Conclusion:
Needhams are a delicious and classic doughnut that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these delicious treats at home. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give Needhams a try!
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