While the potato is hot, beat in the sugar and coconut; then the vanilla.
Press into a lightly greased 8" square pan. Melt chocolate and pour over top. Chill and cut into squares. Keeps indefinitely in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Makes 64 1" pieces
VARIATIONS WITHOUT CHOCOLATE:
PEANUT BUTTER: Roll potato mixture on wax paper sprinkled with powdered sugar until very thin. Spread with creamy peanut butter and then roll into a long log. Roll in a little more powdered sugar and refrigerate. Slice to serve.
TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS MINTS:
Omit vanilla and substitute a few drops of oil of peppermint. Tint fondant pink with food coloring. Flatten balls to approximately 1/2" thickness.
COFFEE MOCHA LOGS:
Add 2 tsps. instant coffee powder to recipe while kneading mixture. Shape into finger rolls 1/2" X 2". Roll in chocolate sprinkles.
