Christmas is just a few weeks away! A lot of parents have started off the month of December by buying advent calendars for their kids, scattering little elves around the house, or basically building a new family Christmas tradition. The first week of December is gone, but there are still a few more days to think about how to make the season extra magical. Another fun thing kids expect for Christmas is a candy cane.
There’s just something about candy canes that just screams Christmas! They’re like the ultimate treat that brings the feeling of Santa, and the North Pole to your home. You can hang these canes on your Christmas tree, or snack on them while watching Christmas movies. You can make these candies at home, and get the kids to help out. Who knows, this could become your family’s Christmas tradition. In this article, we’re going to look at the process of making candy canes.
Brief Background on Candy Canes
Candy canes started in the 1600s in Europe as a white sugar stick, which later evolved to a “J” with stripes and a peppermint flavor. The “J” shape of the candy cane is said to stand for Jesus, the red stripes remind people of his sacrifice, while the white stripes represent purity. The main ingredient involved in making a candy cane is sugar, water, and syrup.
Ingredients Needed
- Sugar
- Water
- Corn syrup
- Peppermint extract
- Food coloring (red)
Equipment Needed
- Candy thermometer
- Large pot
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Candy cane molds
- Cooling rack
Procedure to Making Candy Canes
Step 1: Preparing the Sugar Solution
The first thing you need to do is grab a large pot and combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. It will look smooth and clear. Once that happens, turn off the heat and let the mixture boil. You will need a candy thermometer which you can find in the supermarket to keep track of the temperature.
Step 2: Reaching the Hard-Crack Stage
Keep boiling the syrup until it hits about 300°F or 149°C on the thermometer. This is called the “hard-crack” stage. It’s what gives the candy that hard and crunchy texture when eaten.
Step 3: Adding Flavor and Color
When the syrup reaches the right temperature, carefully take the pot off the heat. Next, add a few drops of peppermint extract for flavor and some red food coloring. Stir it well so the color spreads evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Pouring it Into Molds
Now, using a spoon or a piping bag, pour the hot candy mixture into your candy cane mold. But make sure you grease the mold beforehand so the candy doesn’t stick. But you need to put the candy mixture in quickly because the mixture hardens fast.
Step 5: Cooling and Shaping
Let the candy cane cool completely in the mold. Once they are hard and cool, gently pop them out. If the edges of the cane look a little rough, use a knife to trim them. Finally, store your candy canes in an airtight container and keep them in a cool and dry place. They can last for several weeks, so you have plenty of time to actually enjoy them.
Conclusion
Candy canes are a great way to bring all the Christmas vibes into your home. You can hang them on the tree, or eat them. Making candy canes at home is actually easy and a great way to spend time with your family. Who knows? It might even become your new favorite Christmas tradition.
