The Clever Trick For Dipping Buckeyes In Chocolate And Avoiding A Mess

It's always fun to try your culinary hand at something new, and if you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, buckeyes should be at the top of your list. These smooth peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate are so named because they resemble the eye of a deer (the similar-looking nut of the buckeye tree reportedly got its name for the same reason). This treat can certainly disappear about as fast as a spooked buck when they get set out for everyone to enjoy. They can be somewhat difficult to construct, too, but there is a trick for dipping them that makes the process a bit easier.

Once your peanut butter balls are assembled and solid after some time in the freezer (don't forget a toothpick stuck in the middle to make handling simpler) make sure your chocolate is thinned out for dipping using some oil. Once everything is ready, grab a large ice cream scoop. Lift out some chocolate in the scoop and lower the peanut butter ball into it while holding the toothpick. 

This gives you a little more control over your coverage, so you end up with the peanut butter concoction poking out of the top while the rest of the confection is covered in chocolate. It is a simple trick, but things don't always need to be complicated. However, if the resulting buckeye treats look too rudimentary for your tastes, there are some ways you can enhance them for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Most buckeyes are made using a simple milk chocolate for dipping, but with desserts, there is no need to adhere to rules all the time. There are all kinds of chocolate with many ways to use them, and swapping out the mild milk variety for something darker might be right up your alley. You could even go with white chocolate for a completely different look and a more mild flavor.

Another way to elevate your buckeyes is to add some accoutrements. Sprinkles are a straightforward addition that would give the treat a burst of color. Pieces of peppermint would make them perfect for holiday festivities. You could also add some of your favorite chopped-up nuts to the outside for a little crunch with every bite.

Buckeyes can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for about two weeks, or you can make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer for roughly two to three months. If frozen, they need about 15 to 30 minutes to defrost before they can be eaten. Just don't leave them out too long, or the chocolate may start to make a mess on your fingers when you eat them. If any rogue buckeyes land on your favorite shirt, use the vinegar trick for the chocolate stains before you throw it in the wash.