The legend of the candy cane has been shared many times over. The sugary treat can be traced back to a candy maker in Indiana. The white stripe of the candy cane represented the lack of sin that Jesus had. The candy stick shaped in a cane resembles a shepherd's crook and indicates the good shepherd. The cane can be turned upside down to indicate a letter J the first letter in Jesus's name. The red of the candy cane symbolizes the blood of Jesus that was shed to save the world. However, the spangler candy company believes that the first candy cane came from a German choirmaster who gave sugar sticks curved like shepherd's staff to the younger members of the choir. They were meant to help them stay quiet during holiday services.
While, the history of the candy cane can be debated the fact that candy canes are both delicious and very much part of the holiday season. Today, December 26th is National Candy Cane day. So while you share them with friends and family and decorate your tree and home with these sweet treats keep a few to share on National Candy cane day as well. Recipes like the following are perfect for National candy cane day
Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
2 pounds white chocolate
Peppermint flavorings, optional
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or
smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with
chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto
a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the
refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break
into pieces.
This sounds so lush, I love candy canes and white chocolate, the two together is like a marriage made in heaven :)
ReplyDeleteoh yes my friends at work nearly beg for me to make some more they are quite yummy
DeleteThis is my favorite Christmas treat. Never knew there was a day called candy cane day thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteyes I was very surprised that it does not occur prior to Christmas as candy canes are very much apart of ours
DeleteThis sounds yummy and easy to make. I can't wait to try your recipe.
ReplyDeletelet me know how it turns out let me tell you they are very delicious
DeleteI didn't know that much about candy canes! Thanks for the history lesson. I really love these sweet treats, I had no idea we have a day to celebrate them!
ReplyDeletethere seems to be a date to celebrate nearly everything
Deletei love peppermint bark it is so yummy
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteI have learned something interesting today. I didn't know about the symbolism of the candy cane. I loved these as a child and I still love them til now.
ReplyDeletethe only real difference between when I was a child and now is that they come in so many more flavors and colors
DeleteI just had peppermint bark for the first time ever on Christmas. It was so good!
ReplyDeleteyes and so easy to make
DeleteThis looks and sounds really delicious. I'll have ot try this with all of our candy canes.
ReplyDeleteit most definitely is we all love it and so easy to make share with me if you happen to make it
DeleteNow I'm wondering about all the things I can make with candy canes.
ReplyDeletethere are really so many I know a few friends who stock up to make peppermint treats for valentine day take a search through my blog I know I have a few more shared
DeleteI love the story of the candy cane, and thank you for sharing your peppermint bark recipe!
ReplyDeletethank you for taking time visiting and leaving a comment
DeleteI want to make peppermint bark! That's all I've been seeing on the internet! lol Never tried making it myself though.
ReplyDeletevery easy to make love it myself I was making it way before it was ever popular
DeleteI love candy canes and am definitely going to try making candy bark next year. What a fun blog post!
ReplyDeleteyes for sure if you like candy canes you will love this
DeleteI had no idea of the origin of the candy cane - so awesome. I love your peppermint bark
ReplyDeletethanks so much for visiting now you know a bit of trivia I hope your try the candy
DeleteI had just recently discovered the origin of the candy cane. Really great post!
ReplyDeletewhat did your research share?
DeleteHow interesting - I didn't know any of this! Thank you so much for sharing. Kaz :)
ReplyDeleteWow. I had no idea about the history of candy canes, nor their religious background. Very interesting. My kids love peppermint bark.
ReplyDeleteI love peppermint bark. It's so easy to make and it's delicious too!
ReplyDelete