Peanut Butter Balls aka Buck Eyes

Buck Eyes are a favourite of my family. They're usually specially requested by my brother. Also check out Crispy Peanut Butter Balls, which are similar, but contain rice crispies. Makes about 40 pieces.

Ingredients
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla
2-2 1/2 cups icing sugar
9 oz semisweet chocolate
1 tbsp shortening

Directions
Line baking sheet with parchment waxed paper.

Microwave peanut butter and butter for 1 minute, or until soft (check every 20 seconds). Stir in vanilla and icing sugar, until doughy.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

Melt chocolate and shortening in a double boiler (or in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water). Dip balls in chocolate.

Place peanut butter balls back on baking sheet in fridge. Once chocolate has hardened, 30 minutes or more, store in an air-tight container in the fridge.