Pare, cook and mash the potatoes to make 3/4 cup.

In microwave, melt the butter. Add it to the mashed potato, powdered sugar, flaked coconut and vanilla, in a big bowl. Mix well.

Spread the mixture evenly about 1/2 in. thick on a small buttered cookie sheet. Place in a cool place to harden—a cool garage or back porch in the winter works well. When hard, cut the mixture into approx. 1 1/2 in. squares and dip in the chocolate mixture.

CHOCOLATE DIP:
Melt chocolate and shortening together in microwave for 1 min. Stir well. Melt for 15-30 sec. more if needed, and stir again.

Keep mixture warm. Dip the needham squares in the chocolate with a fork and place on waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Put in a cool place to harden.

Makes about 40-50 good-sized needhams. The recipe may be cut in half.