Day 3: Homemade Candy Canes!

When we found this recipe for homemade candy canes in our Gooseberry Patch cookbook, Christmas in the Country,we knew we had to try it. The recipe is very simple. Even novice candy makers can make them. They turned out so pretty. Our pictures don't do them justice. They look like they are made of glass. Best of all they taste as good as they look!!


What you need:

• 2 cups of sugar



• 1/2 cup of light corn syrup



• 1/2 cup water



• 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar



• 3/4 tsp. peppermint extract



• 3/4 - 1 tsp. red food coloring

In a heavy saucepan, blend the sugar, corn syrup, water

and cream of tartar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook over medium heat until your candy thermometer reaches the hard-ball stage - 250 - 269 degrees. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat. Then add the peppermint extract.

Divide the candy in to 2 equal portions by pouring them into 2 microwave safe bowls. Be very careful the candy will be very hot!! Stir the red food coloring into one of the bowls.

Let the candy the candy cool until it is cool enough to handle, but not too hard. It will be like a stiff dough. Spread a sheet of wax paper on your work surface. Spray your hands with a little cooking spray. Using a heavy spoon, scoop out a blob of each color and roll into two ropes.

Twist them together.

Then form your candy cane shape.

Let your candy canes finish cooling and then enjoy! If the candy gets too hard to shape, put the bowl in the microwave for 20 - 30 seconds.

These candy canes would be very pretty wrapped in cellophane and tied onto a package. Your family and friends will love them!