Candy Cane Garland –
Here’s a twist on traditional edible garland, a peppermint twist. You’ve probably seen trees trimmed with popcorn and cranberries. They get stale and soggy. This tasty candy cane garland stays beautiful all season long.
This idea came to me when I was making easy candy cane shapes. The garland requires more patience and focus than the basic shapes but the beautiful results are worth the extra time.
Start with miniature candy canes. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and place candy canes on top. Make sure they’re not touching. Heat them in the oven for four minutes. Let them candy cool until you are able to handle it. For me it was about 30 seconds. Then form the canes into circles.
If they start to crack or break, they are getting cold. Just put them in the oven for another minute and continue.
Twist the first candy cane into a circle. Push the ends firmly together. Then add more links. I found it worked best if I formed the start of the circle shape on it’s own first then added it to the link. When I tried to make circles with straight candy canes in the loop they’d get stuck to each other and leave ugly marks.
Be careful you don’t drop them. I dropped a chain of about ten links on the tile floor. It shattered like the dreams of a child who finds out he’s on the naughty list Christmas morning.
It may be tricky at first but don’t give up. You’ll get the hang of it quickly. Before you know it you’ll be good enough to earn a spot in Santa’s workshop.
The garland looks festive wrapped around a tree.
You can also hang short links vertically as ornaments.
If you’re unsure about making a big garland, start small. I made a short strand to put on my son’s little Christmas tree. It was about 50 mini candy canes.
The Elf on the Shelf can put his North Pole skills to work with this garland.
These are just a few examples of what you can do. I’m sure you’ll come up with some peppermint twists of your own. Send me photos of your candy cane creations so I can share them.
May your Christmas be sweet and happy!
If you’d like to see more sweet projects and fun desserts follow me on Pinterest.
Laura
December 8, 2013 at 9:12 am (5 years ago)What a great idea! If I didn’t have a cat who spends the Christmas season trying to destroy my tree and everything on it I would definitely make these!
Laurie (Frosting and a Smile)
December 8, 2013 at 10:05 am (5 years ago)Thank you! I know how cats are. I learned I couldn’t decorate the bottom of the tree with this because my three year old wants to eat it.
Christina Maiville
December 13, 2013 at 11:20 am (5 years ago)Maybe try setting a heating pad under the cookie sheet pan to keep the candy canes pliable longer.
Laurie (Frosting and a Smile)
December 13, 2013 at 1:53 pm (5 years ago)That sounds like a great idea! Thank you.
Nola Adkins Bohl
October 3, 2014 at 9:25 am (4 years ago)brilliant idea!
Laurie @ FrostingAndASmile
October 3, 2014 at 9:32 am (4 years ago)Thank you, Nola!
Jennifer
December 17, 2013 at 8:50 pm (5 years ago)How cute is this? I never would have thought of this. Thanks for the idea. I will have to try it!
Laurie (Frosting and a Smile)
December 18, 2013 at 6:56 am (5 years ago)Thank you!
Beth Marie
December 21, 2013 at 11:34 pm (5 years ago)Really, cool and SWEET idea! Thanks for sharing!
Laurie (Frosting and a Smile)
December 22, 2013 at 8:15 am (5 years ago)Thanks Beth. Is your blog new too?
Beth Marie
December 27, 2013 at 9:48 am (5 years ago)Hi Laurie, YES I’m just getting started trying to find my place in the big blog world!
Laurie (Frosting and a Smile)
December 27, 2013 at 10:00 am (5 years ago)It’s a bit more involved than I thought, but I’m having so much fun!
normapadro
March 23, 2016 at 12:54 pm (3 years ago)Hello. I enjoyed your article here. It looks so festive. I bet it makes the house smell so nice and minty. I like that. Have a great day.
Laurie @ FrostingAndASmile
April 4, 2016 at 4:29 pm (3 years ago)Thank you! It does smell nice.