Joy to the World Christmas Candies
This Christmas candy recipe has been a favorite in my family for four generations. My mom got it from her family and now it has become a Christmas classic for my kids. They whine like crazy if I even THINK of skipping these during the holidays! Last year, I added my own twist and changed the diced pecans to diced toasted almonds. We loved the change, and my son Jake renamed the candies “Joy to the World” balls, since they now have a little of the flavor of Almond Joy candy bars!
We make several batches of these gems and give them out as gifts.
From my family to Yours: Have a Most Wonderful Holiday!!!
JOY TO THE WORLD BALLS
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
8 ounces sweetened coconut
2 pounds powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups diced toasted almonds
1 tablespoon vanilla
In a large bowl with a large sturdy spoon, stir together coconut, powdered sugar, butter, condensed milk, almonds and vanilla. The mixture will be very thick! Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I once left this in my fridge for a week and it was just fine).
Remove coconut mixture from fridge and roll into balls about the size of a walnut.
In a double boiler, melt shortening over simmering water. Slowly stir in chocolate chips and keep over very low heat.
Using a sturdy toothpick, dip coconut balls into melted chocolate and set on a sheet of wax paper to cool.
– posted by Donna