Peanut Butter Balls

Some of my fondest childhood memories are from Christmas time, one of them being making Peanut Butter Balls with my mom. It was, and still is, the treat I most look forward to during Christmas. Where she got the recipe or learned to make them, I have no clue. Mom doesn't really make PB balls any more...she says she just likes eating mine instead. So here is my "recipe" and even though they super easy to make, they are a treat that most everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup butter
3-4 cups Confectioners (powdered) sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
aprox. 1 bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
1-2 tbsp shortening (I use Crisco)

Directions
Melt Butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add peanut butter and vanilla until very smooth. When smooth, add confectioners sugar a little at a time until one large "ball" forms and the mixture is hard to stir. When thoroughly combined, set aside to cool.

When the mixture is warm but not hot, lay out a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Form balls out of the Peanut butter mixture, and place in rows on the lined cookie sheet. Let cool completely.

Over a double boiler, melt semi sweet chocolate chips with Crisco. Stir the mixture every so often, and when completely combined and smooth, dip Peanut Butter balls into the chocolate, then back on the cookie sheet using a spoon. Allow the chocolate to set up completely before serving.

Notes:
This great little tool is what I use to measure things like Peanut butter, honey, and other sticky things! I love this kitchen tool and use it quite a bit.
Make sure your Peanut butter and butter are completely smooth before adding Confectioners Sugar!
After adding Confectioners sugar, your peanut butter should look like this: