Combine first 4 ingredients and roll into balls. They should be somewhat firm so add more powdered sugar if needed. Then stick them in the freezer to help harden.

Melt the chocolate and shortening in the microwave. (Be careful not to overcook the chocolate, which doesn't take too long.)

Stick toothpicks in the peanut butter balls and dip them in the chocolate. Don't cover them entirely. You want to leave a little bit of the peanut butter exposed on top so they look like Buckeyes (the state nut in Ohio).

If there's any leftover chocolate try dipping pretzels, nuts, raisins, or fruit.

— Recipe by Sean Cassidy

A note for vegans that avoid bone-char refined sugar: Wholesome Foods, Florida Crystals, Hain Organic Powdered Sugar brand are considered vegan. (If it's made from beet sugar, it's vegan.) For more thoughts on vegan sugar check out the following links:

» Are brown and powdered sugar vegan? (jivdaya.org)
» Is refined sugar vegan? (veganoutreach.org)