Christmas Candy
Preparing Christmas candy is one of the most important activity done by family members on Christmas days. People enjoy Christmas candy during the holiday season as these have many good uses. Apart from eating it, one might also consider giving Christmas candy as gifts. It is great fun to make Christmas candy as most homemade candy lasts quite a long time, and has the added benefit of being custom made. The recipes can be adjusted to the individual taste of the intended recipient.
Early candy canes were intentionally shaped like that of a shepherd's crook to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for humanity. The earliest candy canes were pure white and were invented in the 17th century. But modern day Christmas candy is as extremely colorful and decorative in their looks.
Christmas candy are also used to hang up for decorations, can act as the perfect gift, and is a holiday treat that can be very indulging. There are various types of Christmas candy that can be prepared at home or can be bought at the holiday times. Few of them are decorative such as candy canes for Christmas tree, ribbon candy, red and green chocolates, some can act as stocking stuffers such as novelty candies; candy toys; and interactive candy. Some of the popular recepies of Christmas Candy are:
Christmas Candy Cane Recipe
Ingredients
3 c Sugar
1 ts Peppermint flavoring
1/2 c Water
3/4 c Lt. corn syrup
3/4 ts Red vegetable coloring
1/4 ts Cream of tartar
Method
The sugar, water, syrup, and cream of tartar you combine and heat till the sugar's dissolved real fine. Divide into two saucepans, boil, but don't stir, please, until each lot is 280F. Add 1/2 ts peppermint to each lot and add the coloring to one, the other not: place on an enamel or marble table to cool. (First oiling the table, as a general rule). Like taffy you stretch and pull and form into ropes of red and white, now twist them around again and again. And form them into your candy cane. Now on an oiled surface you allow them to harden.
Turkish Delight Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
3 c Sugar
1 ts Peppermint flavoring
1/2 c Water
3/4 c Lt. corn syrup
3/4 ts Red vegetable coloring
1/4 ts Cream of tartar
Preparations
The sugar, water, syrup, and cream of tartar you combine and heat till the sugar's dissolved real fine. Divide into two saucepans, boil, but don't stir, please, until each lot is 280F. Add 1/2 ts peppermint to each lot and add the coloring to one, the other not: place on an enamel or marble table to cool. (First oiling the table, as a general rule). Like taffy you stretch and pull and form into ropes of red and white, now twist them around again and again. And form them into your candy cane. Now on an oiled surface you allow them to harden.
Turkish Delight Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 lemon, the peel cut into strips, the juice squeezed
1 orange, the peel cut into strips, the juice squeezed
4 tablespoons unflavoured powdered gelatin
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Method
Dissolve the granulated sugar in half of the water over medium heat. Add the strips of lemon and orange peel and the juices. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
Soften the gelatin by soaking it for 5 to 10 minutes in the rest of the water. Add the gelatin to the sugar syrup stirring well, and boil for 10 minutes, until the syrup reaches the thread stage. Strain the mixture into shallow dampened pan or onto platters, and let it set for 24 hours.
Cut the candy into 1-inch squares. Sift the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch together into a shallow dish. Roll the pieces of candy in the mixture. Store the squares in boxes with more confectioners' sugar and cornstarch between each layer.
Christmas Jelly Candy
Ingredients
5 pk Unflavored gelatin
2 c Fruit juice or drink
1/2 c Sugar
2 tb Lemon juice
Method
In a saucepan put gelatin and sugar, add the fruit juice and let set for 5 minutes Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat & cook until gelatin melts, add lemon juice. Pour into shallow baking pans and chill until firm.
Carefully turn out of pan using a wide spatula. Cut with various shaped cookie cutters and place on wire racks to dry. put in covered tins with wax paper between layers. Will keep up to 5 days.
Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Ingredients
3 c Sugar
1 tb Butter or butter substitute
1 c Pitted and chopped dates
1/2 c Sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c Water
1 c Chopped candied cherries
1 ts Vanilla
1 c Chopped marshmallows
1/4 ts Salt
Method
Boil sugar, milk, water, butter, and salt to soft ball stage (234 - 238 F). Add cherries and dates. Boil to firm ball stage (245 - 248 F). Add marshmallows. Do not stir. Cool to room temperature. Add flavoring. Beat until thick and creamy. Add nuts. Pour into well-buttered, 9"x13" shallow pan. Cut in squares.
Candy Mints Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb Powdered sugar
1/2 c Butter
2 tb Evaporated milk
4 dr Peppermint flavoring
2 dr Or more green food coloring
Method
Combine all ingredients in bowl and beat at high speed until well blended. Knead until smooth. Shape mints in candy molds. Then place on cookie sheets which have been covered with paper towels. Cover with paper towels. Leave overnight to set. Makes 9 Dozen.
Other Christmas Recipe
Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cakes