Maine Needhams Recipe

"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 Rev. George S. 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 candybar. They are delicious. This recipe halves easily, but who will want a half batch? Not me. I generally make them around Christmas to give out with the cookie tray."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Pare, cook, and mash potato to make three-quarters of a cup; add salt.

Step 2

Using a double boiler, place butter in it and melt over boiling water; add the mashed potato, confectioners sugar, flaked coconut, and vanilla.

Step 3

Mix well and turn into a well-buttered jelly roll pan and spread evenlyg; place in a cool place to harden (I put it in the refrigerator for a short time) and when hard, cut into small 1"-1 1/4" squares

Step 4

FOR DIPPING: Again use a double boiler; place paraffin and both chocolates in the top of the pan over boiling water to melt; mix well.

Step 5

With a fork or toothpick, dip into the choclate mixture, holding the square over the chocolate mixture after dipping so the square drains well; place on waxed paper to harden.