The candy cane, synonymous with Christmas, began as a straight white stick of sugary candy. In the late 1600’s, (about the same time Europeans began using Christmas trees) a choirmaster had the sugary stick bent into the shape of a Shepard’s crook and passed them out to children who attended the living creche ceremonies.
The use of candy canes as Christmas tree decorations made it’s way to America by the 1800’s, however they were still white, not appearing with their familiar red stripe until the twentieth century.
The next time you give a child this iconic Christmas sweet, (or enjoy one yourself) notice it’s shape, the shape of the Shepherd’s crook, symbolic of how Jesus, like the “Good Shepherd,” watches over his children like little lambs, and be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
Ingredients:
Mini Candy Canes (plus some for crushing)
Marshmallows, large
Chocolate chips, melted
Unwrap the mini candy canes, (save some for sticks) place in a freezer-type plastic bag and crush.
Gently push one of the whole candy canes into the marshmallow, dip half way into melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy. We ( Joe and Caitlin) tried to roll them in the crushed candy but the results weren’t as nice.
Candy Cane Marshmallow pops are fun as is or try them with your next cup of hot cocoa!
