Candy Canes
If there is one sweet treat will always remain synonymous with the holiday season, it is the classic candy cane. It is next to impossible to get through this time of year without encountering these festive peppermint confections at every turn. And if you’re anything like me, you always end up with a collection of candy canes lying around your home once the holidays have come and gone. Luckily, besides from just eating them all as the winter goes on, there are several simple and creative alternatives to using up all of those leftover candy canes. Here are a few ideas that the whole family will enjoy of ways to put those canes to good use in your kitchen.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate - The next time you make some hot cocoa on a chilly day, go ahead and swirl a few candy cane pieces into your mug. The candy will melt in the hot chocolate, leaving behind a cool, minty flavor.
- White Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Pretzels - All you need for this easy recipe is some white chocolate and either pretzel twists or logs. Simply melt the chocolate, dip the pretzels halfway in, and then dip the same chocolate-coated ends into a bowl of crushed candy canes. Let the chocolate set to harden and then enjoy! These also make great homemade Christmas gifts.
- Candy Cane Popcorn - Another great idea if you love the combination of salty and sweet is to use your candy canes to create a peppermint popcorn topping. Simply melt 6 ounces of white chocolate and mix it in a bowl with one bag of microwave popped popcorn. Add 1/3 cup of crushed candy canes and then spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet to allow the chocolate to set. Then break up any large clusters and enjoy!
- Candy Cane Oreos - Much like the pretzel idea, you can also add a peppermint twist to traditional Oreos by either dipping them into melted white, dark, or milk chocolate, and then sprinkling some crushed candy cane pieces directly on top of each cookie. Stick the cookies in the refrigerator to set for a bit, and then try not to eat them all up in one day!
- Candy Cane Sprinkles - Another quick way to make good use of your candy canes is to simply crush them up and use them as sprinkles on your favorite ice cream, on top of fudge brownies, or spread over a batch of Rice Krispy treats. Store the sprinkles in an airtight container and use them again and again in your kitchen - the possibilities are really endless!
