HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania lawmakers are renewing a push to make Hershey’s Kisses the state’s official candy. Nearly 70 million of the foil-wrapped chocolates are produced in the commonwealth every day and were first manufactured in 1907.
State Representatives Thomas Mehaffie and Patty Kim said the Kiss is “recognizable worldwide” and “strengthened the region’s economy in unparalleled ways.”
Mehaffie and Kim say Pennsylvania’s official symbols are important to help differentiate the state from others.
“We believe that denoting Hershey’s Kisses as the state candy will not only bring more attention to our state, but also commemorate a company and candy that has forever impacted our state’s economy and values.”
A favorite way to eat Hershey Kisses are in a peanut butter blossom, a fan favorite cookie around Pennsylvania. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
48 Hershey Kisses (about one bag)
1/2 cup of shortening
3/4 cup of peanut butter (not natural)
1/3 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 Tablespoons of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/3 up of white sugar, for rolling later
Steps:
1. Pre-Heat oven to 375* and remove the wrappers from chocolate, use will power to not eat them plain
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and roll in white sugar, place on cookie sheet
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes and immediately press a kiss into the center of each cookie. Remove cookie from sheet and place on wire rack to cool.
