St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and here in Pennsylvania, enjoying the sweet confection dubbed Irish potatoes is a favorite way to celebrate the holiday, writes Emily Kovach for PA Eats.

Ironically, this seasonal treat is not of Irish origin nor contains potatoes. They are however a longstanding Philadelphia tradition that goes back at least a century.

The candies are made of sweetened coconut and cream cheese, hand-shaped into little oblong shapes, and rolled in cinnamon.

Some of the top sellers of Irish Potatoes are Shane Confectionary in Old City, Bridge Street Chocolates in Phoenixville, Oh Ryan’s in Boothwyn, and Stutz Candy Company in Hatboro.

Stutz makes its Irish Potatoes with a coconut cream center rolled in a mix of ground cinnamon and cocoa powder. It sells more than 2,000 pounds of them each year.

Read more about Stutz Candy Company in Hatboro and how Irish potatoes became a local favorite holiday treat at PA Eats.

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