Martha Washington
Martha Washington candies are rich, nutty confections coated in smooth chocolate. Their sweet, crunchy pecan filling pairs perfectly with the glossy chocolate coating, making them ideal for special occasions or gift-giving. These treats offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix powdered sugar, condensed milk, chopped pecans, softened butter, and vanilla by hand until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.
- In a double boiler, melt the chocolate bits with paraffin until smooth and hot.
- Using a toothpick, dip each candy ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the coated candies on a piece of wax paper to set.
- Remove the toothpick from each candy and drop a small amount of chocolate into the hole to seal it.
- Allow the candies to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be a great substitute for pecans. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors. If you want a quicker preparation, pre-made chocolate coating can be used instead of melting chocolate bits with paraffin.
Serving Suggestions
These candies are delightful on their own or can be served alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with the 'Diet' Dump Cake for a dessert buffet. For a festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter during holiday gatherings or as homemade gifts.
Storage & Reheating
Store the finished candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If you wish to freeze them, layer the candies between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Washington contains roughly 183 calories, with 1g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! Dark, milk, or white chocolate can all be used to coat the candies. Each type will give a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference. Just remember to adjust the melting time as needed for different chocolate varieties.
What if I don't have paraffin?
If you don't have paraffin, you can omit it and just use chocolate for coating. The candies may not set as firmly, but they will still taste delicious. Alternatively, using a chocolate candy coating can provide a similar effect without the need for paraffin.
How can I make these candies more festive?
To make the candies more festive, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the chocolate coating before it sets. You can also drizzle a contrasting chocolate over the coated candies for a decorative touch. Packaging them in decorative boxes or tins makes for a lovely homemade gift during the holidays.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).