Peppermint Sticks

They are not complicated or fussy. In fact, they are pretty simple. Peppermint sticks, or candy canes, are an integral part of the holiday season. This sweet Christmas treat often used in holiday decorating is a symbol of the Christmas season.

The candy cane as we know it today appeared at about this time in the seventeenth century. These were straight, white sticks of sugar candy. Part of the Christmas celebration at the Cologne (Germany) Cathedral were pagents of living creches. Around 1670 the choirmaster there had sticks of candy bent into the shape of a shepherd's crook which he passed out to children who attended the ceremonies. This soon became a popular tradition, and eventually the practice of passing out the sugar canes at living creche ceremonies spread throughout Europe.The use of candy canes on Christmas trees made its way to America by the 1800’s, however during this time they were still all white and are represented this way on Christmas cards made before 1900. It was not until the early 20th century that they began to appear as we know them today with their familiar red stripes.

I simply love them. Inexpensive and pretty, I keep some in my car to savor when the mood strikes. (They're only 55 calories a stick!) I keep some in the kitchen in a pretty glass jar. They (and a shot of whipped cream) can turn a mug of hot cocoa into a delightful treat. The children, of course, like to hang them on the tree.

Admittedly my favorite way to eat a candy cane is crushed up and sprinkled all over my favorite chocolate holiday treat!