Holiday Favorites... Peanut Butter Cups

 These are for my grandson as they are one of his favorite candies. I used the recipe but not the directions. The recipe is from the Land O Lakes Country Heritage  Cookbook. They called for the chocolate to be painted in the paper cups, chilled then the filling patted in and chocolate spooned on top. I did try a few this way, and decided I did not have either enough time or patience. I will give you the directions for the way I made them.

  The flavor is quite good and close to Reese’s Peanut butter cups. Do use the graham cracker crumbs. You can’t tell they are in the filling, but give it a workable texture. All in all, a fairly easy candy to make for a cookie and candy tray. 
  I have made these again and we decided that they are better than the commercial brand. Easy to make and way too easy to eat!
 Peanut Butter Cups

Filling

½ cup butter

½ cup crunchy style peanut butter (I used smooth)

1 cup powdered sugar

⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs

Chocolate Coating

1 (11.5 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (such as crisco)

Directions

  In a 2 quart saucepan combine the butter and peanut butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until melted (4 to 6 minutes). Stir in powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. On a sheet of parchment or waxed paper pat the filling out to about ½ inch thickness. Place in freezer for about 5 minutes. If it sets up too much, let sit at room temp. Using a small biscuit cutter (mine was 1 ½ inch) cut the filling into rounds. Place in refrigerator till firm again.

  Melt the chocolate and shortening in a small bowl over boiling water and cool slightly. 

  Dip the filling wafers into the chocolate using a fork. Scrape the back of the fork on the pan as you take them out. Place on wax or parchment paper to set. If you need to, they can be dipped a  second time or spoon a small amount of chocolate over them.

  Store in refrigerator.