Buckeyes

As the Jewish partner in our family, I apparently should not have any dog in this fight, but I believe that children should believe in Santa.  At least for a little while.  I could say it's all about the magic of the season, the innocence of children, but I hold this belief for selfish reasons.  Mostly the cookies.  Cookies that are left out for Santa are cookies that will not scarfed down by little children.  And you know which cookies Santa likes best?  Buckeyes.

While technically more of a confection, when I think Christmas cookies, I think buckeyes.  My dad made them around this time every year, our whole kitchen full of the little balls on toothpicks, hardening upside down so as to leave the bottoms completely rounded and smooth.

As quite the peanut butter fiend, buckeyes are both my best and worst friend (worst in that they are filled with everything that is terrible for you and may undo several weeks of workouts in one sitting).  In this version, I've cut out some sugar and added some cream cheese, resulting in a less shockingly sweet candy, a candy that someone like, say, Santa might enjoy.  (And wondering about the name?  They look like the but from a buckeye tree, similar to a chestnut.)

Buckeyes
Makes about 40

1/4 c cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c smooth peanut butter
1 c graham cracker crumbs
3 c powdered sugar
10 T butter, melted
12 oz dark chocolate

Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together until combined.  Add graham cracker crumbs and beat for another minute.  Add sugar and butter, and mix until everything is combined.  Scrape down the bowl and mix again.

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler, and let it mostly cool.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Scoop out a tablespoon of the peanut butter filling at a time, and form small balls.  One at a time, dip each ball into the chocolate using a fork or skewer.  Roll the candy around in the chocolate until coated except for one uncoated circle.  Place back on parchment paper to cool until hardened.  Alternatively, place skewer in a cardboard box or piece of foam to keep the buckeyes suspended until the bottom cools, so as to not flatten them.