Candy canes are a flavored hard candy, usually shaped like a shepherd's crook, that are popular around the Christmas season. While most candy canes are mint flavored, with red and white stripes, candy canes come in all favors and colors.
Serving Suggestions
- You can serve candy canes to guests that visit your home.
- Candy cane mints are sometimes crushed and mixed into delicious treats made with ice cream.
- Candy canes can be used as stirrers for hot beverages such as cocoa.
Background and History
The Candy Cane story begins in Cologne, Germany around 1670 http://inventors.about.com/od/foodrelatedinventions/a/candy_canes.htm. A choirmaster of a Cathedral had the idea of hanging up 'sugar sticks' to keep children quiet through long Christmas Eve church services, and the sticks were shaped to mimic a shepherd's crook. At that time 'canes' were totally white and did not have flavoring.
No one knows when canes developed their familiar red and white stripes. In all pictures from the 19th century, the canes are completely white. After 1900, stripes appeared in pictures for the first time. http://www.answers.com/topic/candy-cane
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References
Fast Facts
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Originated
In 1670 in Cologne, Germany
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Ethnic Origin
German
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Usually Served As
Christmas Treat or Decoration
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Usually Served With
other candies like peppermints and chocalates
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Cooking Method
Batch Process
