sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread; the method stays the same. For a little extra flair without adding more ingredients, lightly dust the finished slices with a bit of powdered sugar right before serving so they look extra snowy in the glass dish. You can also roll the dough slightly thinner and make two smaller logs instead of one large one; they chill faster and make smaller, bite-size pieces for younger kids. Food safety tips: Make sure the mashed potatoes are fully cooked and cooled before you start, and don’t use potatoes that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours—bacteria can grow quickly in cooked starchy foods. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, they should have been stored in the refrigerator and used within 3–4 days. Because this candy is quite sweet and made with a fresh ingredient (potato), always store it covered in the refrigerator and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, especially at warm-weather picnics. Use clean utensils and a clean work surface when handling the dough, and wash hands well before and after shaping and slicing.
Nana Clara swore this was her 3 ingredient miracle when money was tight. I never believed her until I watched an entire platter disappear at the family picnic.
