As St. Patrick’s Day gets ready to take over Chester County, there are plenty of Irish activities, drinks, and foods to enjoy for the holiday, writes Emily Kovach for PA Eats.

One food, which is coincidentally neither Irish nor a potato, is the Irish Potato. These seasonal candies are a Philadelphia tradition that date back at least a century.

While no one knows the true origin of these treats, it is speculated that Irish American immigrants first made them at home in the late 1800s or one of the many confectionaries created them. After all, the Philadelphia area has been a prime location for candy-making and manufacturing.

Irish Potatoes are made of sweetened coconut and cream cheese, rolled into little oval shapes, and smothered in cinnamon.

Many shops in the area make and sell their own small-batch sweets, including one Phoenixville confectionary. Bridge Street Chocolates has been selling these treats and other St. Patrick’s Day-themed eats at their shop and at the Phoenixville Farmers Market every Saturday.

Their menu includes, of course, Irish Potatoes, Irish Cream Marshmallows, Guinness Stout Marshmallows, and Irish Cream Truffles.

Read more about the sweets at PA Eats.

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