Old Fashioned Maine Needhams: A Chocolate Coconut Dream

My earliest memories of Christmas always involve the scent of chocolate mingling with coconut – a fragrance that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen in Maine. She always had a large platter of Needhams sitting proudly on the counter, their dark chocolate shells gleaming under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. Biting into one was like stepping into a winter wonderland, a perfect balance of creamy potato filling, sweet coconut, and rich chocolate. It wasn’t just a treat; it was a taste of home, a symbol of family, and a tangible expression of love. Every year, I eagerly awaited these little squares of magic, and now, I carry on the tradition, recreating that cherished memory for my own family.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (excluding potato cooking)
• Total Time: 3 days (including hardening time)
• Yields: 66 squares
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (cooked and cooled)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 lbs confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 8 ounces flaked coconut
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Dip:

• 1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate bits
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate squares
• 1/2 block (or approximately 4 ounces) paraffin wax

Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Double boiler (or heat-safe bowl and saucepan)
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking pan (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Waxed paper
• Meat fork or wooden skewer

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel, cook, and mash them thoroughly, ensuring there are absolutely no lumps. A potato ricer is highly recommended to achieve a perfectly smooth texture. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely.

2. In the large mixing bowl, add the cooled mashed potatoes and salt.

3. Melt the margarine in a microwave-safe bowl until fully liquid. Be careful not to overheat it.

4. Add the melted margarine, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and flaked coconut to the bowl with the potatoes and salt.

5. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture will be very thick and somewhat stiff. This is normal.

6. Line the baking pan with buttered waxed paper. This will prevent the filling from sticking and make it easier to remove the Needhams later.

7. Turn the mixture out onto the prepared pan and spread it evenly to form a uniform layer.

8. Place another piece of buttered waxed paper on top of the filling. This will help keep it moist and prevent a skin from forming as it hardens.

9. Place the pan in a cool place (like the refrigerator) and allow the filling to harden. This is crucial for the success of the recipe.

10. The trick to making perfect Needhams is patience! Allow the filling to harden for 2 to 3 days if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up sufficiently for dipping.

11. If the filling starts to get mushy when you attempt to dip them, try putting the pan into the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting.

12. Once the filling is firm, remove it from the pan and cut it into squares. Aim for squares of a uniform size – about 1 to 1.5 inches is a good size.

13. Now, prepare the chocolate dip. Using a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water), place the paraffin wax in the top. Ensure the water in the bottom pan does not touch the bowl above.

14. Melt the paraffin wax completely, stirring occasionally. The paraffin helps the chocolate set with a nice sheen and prevents it from blooming (developing a white coating).

15. Add both the semi-sweet chocolate bits and the unsweetened chocolate squares to the melted paraffin.

16. Melt the chocolate slowly and gently, stirring constantly until smooth. Avoid overheating the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.

17. Stir the chocolate mixture well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dip is a consistent color and texture.

18. Using a meat fork or a wooden skewer, dip each filling square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.

19. Drain each square well to remove excess chocolate before placing it onto waxed paper. This prevents puddles of chocolate from forming around the base.

20. Let the dipped Needhams harden completely at room temperature. This may take several hours. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

21. Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Maine Needhams!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Potato Power: The type of potato you use matters. Russet potatoes tend to be drier and work well. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
• Wax Wisdom: The paraffin wax might seem like an odd ingredient, but it’s essential for that classic, smooth chocolate coating. You can find it in the canning section of most grocery stores. If you’re hesitant about using paraffin, you can omit it, but the chocolate might not have the same shine or snap. Some people substitute with a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
• Chocolate Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate will create a sweeter Needham, while dark chocolate will provide a more intense flavor.
• Thinning the Dip: If the chocolate dip becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Neat Dipping: For a cleaner dipping experience, use dipping tools designed for chocolate, like a dipping fork.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Needhams on a festive platter as part of your holiday dessert spread, or enjoy them as a special treat any time of year.

Store leftover Needhams in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	119 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	4.8 g	7%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	12%
Cholesterol	0.2 mg	0%
Sodium	48 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	19.6 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	17.7 g	N/A
Protein	0.6 g	1%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Peanut Butter Needhams: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the filling mixture for a peanut butter twist.
• Mint Chocolate Needhams: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate dip for a refreshing minty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Needhams: Ensure your vanilla extract is gluten-free, and you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to let the filling harden for so long?
A: Allowing the filling to harden for 2-3 days is crucial for developing the right texture and preventing the Needhams from becoming mushy during dipping. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine, but the texture might be slightly different. Margarine tends to create a softer filling.

Q: What if my chocolate dip seizes up?
A: If your chocolate seizes, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil at a time, stirring constantly, until it smooths out.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! Needhams are a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the filling several days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Dip them in chocolate a day or two before your event.

Q: Is the paraffin wax really necessary?
A: While not absolutely necessary, paraffin wax helps create a smooth, shiny chocolate coating that doesn’t bloom. If you prefer to avoid it, you can omit it, but the chocolate might not look as polished.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Maine Needhams are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps or the hardening time – the end result is well worth the effort. Feel free to share your creations and feedback, and consider pairing them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of port wine for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!