Take the Cake: Bite-sized Inspiration for the Savvy Baker

Eat candy canes and be merry!

Photo Credit: Giphy

Photo Credit: Giphy

 

Once December comes around, candy canes are everywhere. Almost 2 billion candy canes are sold within the four weeks leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah! We thought it’d be fun to do some research on the history of our favorite holiday treat.

 

Why are they shaped like canes?

Photo Credit: Hello Giggles

Photo Credit: Hello Giggles

Legend has it that in the early 1600s a choirmaster created the candy cane to keep children from making noise during a long Christmas nativity service. He formed them into a ‘J’ shape to pay homage to a shepherd’s hook. Unfortunately, the tale is simply a myth but it’s a good story to tell this holiday season!

 

 

They didn’t always look like that?

Photo Credit: Table Matters

Photo Credit: Table Matters

The original candy cane was surprisingly not red and white striped. In fact, it wasn’t even shaped like a cane! The original candy cane (they’re 350 years old!) was a white, sugary stick.  It was only in 1900 when candy canes got a modern makeover and their signature red stripe.

 

 

Why peppermint?

Photo Credit: NPR

Photo Credit: NPR

Since original candy canes were purely sugar, peppermint candy canes were introduced about 200 years ago. There’s no clear rhyme or reason as to why peppermint is associated with Christmas but we think it has something to do with the cool flavor complimenting the cold weather.

 

 

Did you know?

Photo Credit: Clipart Kid

Photo Credit: Clipart Kid

Did you know that there are actually names for the parts of a candy cane? We didn’t! The curved part of the candy is known as the warble, and the straight section of the cane is the strabe.

 

Photo Credit: Giphy

Photo Credit: Giphy

With such an interesting history, it’s no wonder why candy canes are considered a staple of the holiday season!

 

 

How will you enjoy candy canes this year? On top of a cupcake, perhaps 😉

Photo Credit: Red Velvet NYC

Photo Credit: Red Velvet NYC

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