Far from Dublin

     When it comes to eating Irish Potatoes on St. Patrick's Day, there are 2 things you should know.  1)  They are not Irish and, 2) They are not potatoes.

     But they are a traditional Philadelphia confection.  The size of a large marble, they are a candy with a creamy interior and rolled in cinnamon to give the appearance of small potatoes.  And they are a seasonal treat made primarily from January through March, although properly packaged they have a 6 month shelf life.

     Perhaps the most prolific purveyor of these treats is a shop in Linwood, PA.  Oh Ryan's ships 80,000 pounds of Irish Potatoes across the country each year.  If you're counting that's approximately 12 million.

     There are some variations in the recipe I've discovered.  While the interior is usually coconut cream, it can also be made from cream cheese.  And some recipes actually do use potatoes, mashing them without any additional liquid then gradually adding confectioner's sugar.  While still soft shredded coconut and vanilla are added before being allowed to dry and harden   They are then rolled in cinnamon or powdered cocoa.

     Wonder if the Irish have ever heard of Irish potatoes...