Cafeteria

The cooks are preparing a treat today! They're in the back making BUCKEYES!!!

(What are buckeyes?!!)

 

Buckeye Candy Recipe (Otherwise known as "Buckeyes")

1 lb. bag confectioners sugar

2/3 lb. jar creamy peanut butter

2 stick soft butter

16 oz. bag of chocolate chips

1 Tbsp. paraffine

1 wood toothpick

Directions:

Blend together confectioners sugar, peanut butter and butter. Roll into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Freeze for about 5 minutes or until firm. Melt chocolate and paraffine in a double boiler. Insert toothpick in ball and partially dip into chocolate and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 4 dozen delicious Buckeye Candies.

What is a buckeye?

A buckeye is an inedible nut which resembles the eye of a deer (or buck); thus called "buck eye". This nut develops on trees naturally grown and common in the state of Ohio. The scientific name is "Aesculus glabra" but the tree is widely known simply as the "Ohio Buckeye". It is a small, round tree. In average it grows approximately 20-30 feet in height and width. In the spring, the tree blooms yellowish flower clusters. They are typically the first trees to leaf out in the spring.

Ohio Buckeye has a dense oval to round form, branching quite low. Each leaf is compounded with 5-7 leaflets that are 4-5 inches long. Foliage is medium to dark green and may develop yellow or orange fall color.

Fruit is a glossy brown nut enclosed in a thick husk.

 

Why are buckeye trees found in Ohio?

The answer is in the soil and climate. Ohio Buckeyes can survive in a broad range of soil and climatic conditions. However, it performs best in moist, well drained soil. In full sun or in partial shade. Ohio's climate has perfect conditions for these trees to grow.

In any climate, they are susceptibe to leaf scorch. This problem results in browning of the leaf margins beginning in mid summer. By late summer to early fall, the trees look unsightly and are often partially defoliated. At this time, the buckeye nuts naturally fall to the ground.

 

More "Buckeye" Facts:

The Ohio Buckeye is the state tree of Ohio.

Ohio's nickname is the Buckeye State.

A Buckeye is also the nickname of an Ohio resident.

A Buckeye also represents a student at Ohio State University. OSU's main campus is in Columbus which is the capital of Ohio; many buckeye trees grow on campus.

A Buckeye is a good luck charm.

A Buckeye is also a legendary protector against arthritis when carried in one's pocket.

Finally...

A Buckeye is a traditional piece of candy made to resemble the nut. (Basically, they are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.) Since we can't eat the real nuts, Ohioans have created their own.

Approximate Nutrition Facts:

Servings Per Recipe: 18 amount perĘserving

Calories 401

Protein 6g

Total Fat 25g

Sodium 155mg

Cholesterol 14mg

Carbohydrates 45g

Fiber 3g

 

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