The Buckeye-Christmas Balls of Diet Death

You know, it feels weird to post this recipe because I feel as though I'm Mrs. Obvious, posting a recipe for something as common as a peanut butter jelly sandwich. But to my shock and disbelief, there are some of you who have uttered the words (in print) "What is a buckeye?" I checked, and no, you weren't being facetious. You really wanted the recipe.

Seriously? Are you the pod progeny of health nuts from Mars or something? (And I mean that in the most respectful way.)

Essentially, buckeyes could be likened to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Except you can't run down to the Dollar General and pick them up for $.50. NO, you have to work for them, which probably makes devouring them like a python swallowing a baby kangaroo even more enjoyable.

Basically, you have to roll little balls of sugar and peanut butter together and dip them in melted chocolate.

Excuse me while I pull myself together.

Buckeyes are a weak spot for me, a personal Kryptonite, if you will. So once a year, sometimes bi-annually because the havoc is so devastating, I make a batch. And then I try not to eat them ALL before Christmas. Epic FAIL.

Here's how you create the magic:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
2. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth. You can add a little vegetable oil if you like to make the chocolate thinner and smoother.
4. Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

Or tell yourself you will refrigerate them until a certain date, knowing full well you will eat several each night until there are none left for the poor losers who got "The Buckeye Shaft of 2009."

You're welcome.