MARTHA WASHINGTON CANDY

Martha Washington Candy image

Passed down by my grandmother and mother, this Martha Washington candy recipe is a cherished family tradition. We've even had each grandchild and great-grandchild take a turn stirring the candy mixture! -Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 45m

Yield about 5-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

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Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
6 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup shortening

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until blended. Stir in coconut and pecans. Divide dough in half; refrigerate, covered, 1 hour., Working with half the dough at a time, shape mixture into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate 30 minutes longer., In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over barely simmering water, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip balls in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Return to waxed paper. Refrigerate until set., To Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator., Freeze option: Freeze candy, layered between pieces of waxed paper, in freezer containers. To use, thaw in refrigerator 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 43mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.