12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies... buckeyes

I'm pretty certain that I have seen at least one other post for Buckeyes during this 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies link party from Abby Sweets, but I couldn't resist posting a recipe of my own and the memories that go with it.


I can not remember how many times I made Buckeyes for my dad when I was in high school and college.  Honestly, I can't even remember why I made them the first time.  All I remember is that after that first batch, Buckeyes became something my dad asked for every holiday season.


Our family was blessed with the opportunity to go to my grandparent's lake home for Christmas.  My grandparents would go to Arizona each winter and their lake home would be empty.  We would drive 70 miles to "run away" for a few days of no TV, no phone, no company but a lot of laughs, games and eating.  My sisters and I would take turns making goodies in the kitchen while raucous card games would be going on.  


At some point in history, the making of the buckeyes became my sister's job.  To this day, she still makes them and brings them to our family Christmas celebration each year.  My dad still loves them and after all these years, I'm not sure our Christmas celebration would be the same without buckeyes.


BUCKEYES
3/4 c. peanut butter
3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. softened butter (not margarine)
1/2 t. vanilla extract
3 whole graham crackers finely crumbed in food processor
1 pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 T. butter


With mixer, mix together peanut butter and butter.  Add vanilla extract.  Slowly add powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs.  Roll dough into 1 inch balls and freeze until hard, about 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips and butter in microwave for 2 minutes.  Stir until completely melted.  Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate covering sides but leaving a small portion of peanut butter showing on top.
Refrigerate after dipping until chocolate is hardened.  
Store in refrigerator.