This month’s recipe comes from MSAA Staffer, Emily O.

Growing up, I spent most of my time after school at my grandparents’ house until one of my parents would be done with work.  One of my favorite traditions from this time of year was helping my grandmother make her own homemade Irish Potato Candy as a St. Patrick’s Day treat.  My mother loved Irish Potato Candy and, though we made the candy every year, my grandmother and I loved making it as a surprise for my mother.  Years later, I still make the candy as a way of honoring both my mother and grandmother.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. regular cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 16 oz. confectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups flaked coconut
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter.
2. Add in the vanilla.
3. Add in confectioners’ sugar a bit at a time until the mixture forms a ball.
4. Stir in the coconut flakes with a (sturdy!) spoon.
5. Spread ground cinnamon in a shallow dish or on a plate. You may need to repeat this process a few times depending on how coated you like your potatoes.
6. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
7. Grab a small piece of the cream cheese and coconut mixture and roll in your hands to form a small ball (I usually make mine about the size of a quarter) and roll the ball in the ground cinnamon until the ball is coated.
8. Place the balls on the cookie sheet and let them chill for about an hour or so, until they are firmer.

*We hope you enjoy our Recipe of the Month selections on MS Conversations. Just remember: these entries may not necessarily be a part of an MS-specific diet; these are simply recipes compiled from MSAA staff and friends either from their own family recipe collection or based on recipes we think you might enjoy. As always, make sure to consult your doctor about any food or nutrition questions as they relate to your MS.