Saturday, December 26, 2015

Peppermint Bark and National Cany Cane Day



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

Peppermint Bark
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.

31 comments:

  1. This sounds so lush, I love candy canes and white chocolate, the two together is like a marriage made in heaven :)

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    1. oh yes my friends at work nearly beg for me to make some more they are quite yummy

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  2. This is my favorite Christmas treat. Never knew there was a day called candy cane day thanks for sharing.

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    1. yes I was very surprised that it does not occur prior to Christmas as candy canes are very much apart of ours

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  3. This sounds yummy and easy to make. I can't wait to try your recipe.

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    1. let me know how it turns out let me tell you they are very delicious

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  4. I 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!

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    1. there seems to be a date to celebrate nearly everything

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  5. i love peppermint bark it is so yummy

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  6. I 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.

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    1. the only real difference between when I was a child and now is that they come in so many more flavors and colors

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  7. I just had peppermint bark for the first time ever on Christmas. It was so good!

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  8. This looks and sounds really delicious. I'll have ot try this with all of our candy canes.

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    1. it most definitely is we all love it and so easy to make share with me if you happen to make it

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  9. Now I'm wondering about all the things I can make with candy canes.

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    1. there 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

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  10. I love the story of the candy cane, and thank you for sharing your peppermint bark recipe!

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    1. thank you for taking time visiting and leaving a comment

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  11. I want to make peppermint bark! That's all I've been seeing on the internet! lol Never tried making it myself though.

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    1. very easy to make love it myself I was making it way before it was ever popular

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  12. I love candy canes and am definitely going to try making candy bark next year. What a fun blog post!

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    1. yes for sure if you like candy canes you will love this

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  13. I had no idea of the origin of the candy cane - so awesome. I love your peppermint bark

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    1. thanks so much for visiting now you know a bit of trivia I hope your try the candy

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  14. I had just recently discovered the origin of the candy cane. Really great post!

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  15. How interesting - I didn't know any of this! Thank you so much for sharing. Kaz :)

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  16. Wow. I had no idea about the history of candy canes, nor their religious background. Very interesting. My kids love peppermint bark.

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  17. I love peppermint bark. It's so easy to make and it's delicious too!

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