Note: This is a big recipe..you may want to make 1/2 of it the first time.

1 cup warm unseasoned mashed potato
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 lbs. confectioners sugar (See note)
1 lb chocolate confection coating
2/3 cup ground salted peanuts OR 1 cup shredded coconut

Combine potato, salt, and vanilla in a 4-qt. mixing bowl. Sift confectioners sugar over potato, stirring and adding about 1 cup at a time. Mixture will liquefy when first sugar is added, then gradually begin to thicken. When it becomes the consistency of stiff dough, knead it even though all the sugar has not been added (likewise, add more sugar if needed). After kneading, cover with a damp cloth; chill until a small spoonful can be rolled into a ball. Shape in small (1/2") balls. Dip balls in melted chocolate, then roll in peanuts or coconut. Makes about 8 dozen 1/2" balls, or 2 pounds.

*Note: Amount of sugar needed will depend on time of year and whether potato is new potato, or old. New potatoes have more liquid content, therefore will need more sugar. The trick is to add enough sugar to produce a candy mixture with the consistency of a stiff dough so that you can knead it. Potato candy is best when eaten fresh.