A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would remind people of the true meaning of Christmas; so he made the candy cane to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.
The candymaker then shaped his cane into the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to the earth as Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down to to reclaim the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
__________________________________________________________________
Candy Cane Ideas:
Each year there are lots of extra candy canes floating around the house. Use them up with these creative ideas.
1. Use candy canes as stirring sticks for hot beverages.
2. Add crushed candy canes to vanilla frosting and make cookie sandwiches with purchased cookies or graham crackers.
3. Add crushed candy canes to Rice Krispy treats.
4. Melt some purchased white almond bark and add crushed candy cane pieces. Pour onto waxed paper and chill for instant Candy Cane Bark.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of iced cupakes or on top of ice cream sundaes.
6. Layer ice cream and hot fudge sauce with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream for a peppermint twist treat.
7. Dip the candy canes in chocolate coating, following the directions at Coated Candy Canes.
8. Save the candy canes and use them for decorations next year, like a Candy Cane Planter.
______________________________________________________________________
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge:
Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages vanilla baking chips
Combine the vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth. When chips are completely melted, stir in the peppermint extract, food coloring, and candy canes.
Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.
