Get the App

Recipes

Find a Recipe Blue Ribbon Recipes Pinch It!™ Feed Browse All Recipes

Editorial

Food Bites & Articles Videos What is a Blue Ribbon? Meet the Test Kitchen

Community

Member Recipes Groups Sweepstakes Contests Shopping

irish gems

(11 RATINGS)
3.20K Pinches 7 Photos
nanajc2004 avatar
Fort Worth, TX
Updated on Nov 3, 2023

These are a good use for leftover mashed potatoes. I've seen other recipes that say to use unseasoned mashed potatoes, but I use leftovers. Been making these for 40 years, and they're a big hit with coconut lovers.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

These Irish Gems are an old-fashioned and delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Combining mashed potatoes with powdered sugar and coconut reminds us of a candy bar filling. Topping them with chocolate adds a touch of sweetness. If you like coconut, you'll love this candy recipe.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 30 Min
cook time
method No-Cook or Other
yield 24 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 box powdered sugar (16 oz)
  • 4 cups coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 6 ounces chocolate chips
  • 1/2 ounce paraffin

How To Make irish gems

Test Kitchen Tips
Food-grade paraffin can be hard to find. We used 1 Tbsp of shortening instead. We recommend chilling and storing these in the refrigerator.
  • Mashed potatoes, sugar, coconut, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
    Step 1
    Blend together mashed potatoes and sugar. Add coconut, vanilla, and salt.
  • Teaspoons dropped onto a greased cookie sheet to chill.
    Step 2
    Drop a teaspoon onto wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Shape into peaks. Let stand uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Melted chocolate in a saucepan.
    Step 3
    Over very low heat in a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and paraffin.
  • Drizzling chocolate over the mashed potato mounds.
    Step 4
    Using a teaspoon, pour the chocolate mixture over the peaks of the candy. Cool. Makes approximately 4 dozen.
  • Texture of the Irish Gems.
    Step 5
    Note: You can also add about 2 cups of chopped pecans. Note: If you shape the mixture around an almond, and dip the ball in the chocolate, you have a mini faux Almond Joy!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

ADVERTISEMENT
Just A Pinch Sweepstakes