Christmas Biscotti Recipe - With candy cane pieces! (2024)

FAQs

What does the candy cane symbolize for Christmas? ›

Cane: Is like the staff used by the shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good Shepherd.” The Color Red: Is for God's love that sent Jesus to give his life for us on the cross. The Stripes: Remind us of Jesus' suffering-his crown of thorns, the wounds in his hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.

From Germany, candy canes spread to other parts of Europe, where they were handed out during plays reenacting the Nativity. The candy cane became associated with Christmastide. This story is likely apocryphal, with references to it not existing before the mid-20th century.

(Psalm 31:3). Next the candy maker made the candy in the shape of a 'J' for the name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior (Matt 1:21, Acts 4:12). When the candy was turned upside down, it is the shape of the Good Shepherd's staff (John 10:11). "I am the good shepherd.

This hard candy was shaped so it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Here's the truth, which may or may not surprise you: Candy canes don't really offer much in terms of nutrition. “They are primarily made of refined carbs and sugars, including fructose,” says Brocha Soloff, BS, RD, CDN, founder of iHeart Health.

Use a whole candy cane as a stirrer for hot chocolate or spiked hot chocolate. Or, sweeten your drinks with a peppermint simple syrup made from broken candy canes, a little sugar, and water. Fold crushed candy canes into a meringue before baking—it'll give the meringue a minty flavor and pink hue.

Within 25 minutes or so, we had our results and we could determine if our predictions were correct/incorrect. The cup with the warm water was the first liquid to completely dissolve the candy cane, while the vinegar was the first liquid to remove all of the red from the candy cane.

One of the oldest traditional candies eaten for special occasions like Christmas is marzipan. This almond-based confection dates back centuries, with origins in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Each region has its own uses for the sweet.

One legend suggests that an Indiana-based candymaker shaped the peppermint stick into a “J” shape to represent Jesus, with the white stripe symbolizing the purity of his birth and the red stripe later added to acknowledge the blood he shed on the cross.

The red stripes on candy canes symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and the white background, His purity. Reflection: Lord, you came to shepherd and guide us. Gently guide us to the path of salvation at times when we may wander.

What does cream of tartar do in candy canes? ›

Cream of tartar helps give the candy canes their more white color and softer texture so this ingredient isn't always used but is definitely preferred.

Biting down on hard candies like candy canes can potentially cause teeth to chip or crack, especially if one has pre-existing dental conditions or weak enamel. This risk is higher for people with dental restorations like fillings or crowns.

Candy Canes and Jesus

Other people believe that the “J” shape of candy canes stands for Jesus. According to those that believe this symbolism of the candy canes. The white part of the candy represents the purity of Jesus. The red is meant to symbolize the sacrifice he gave when he died on the cross.

The legends continue as the candy cane came to America in the mid 1800's. In Wooster, Ohio, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard decorated a blue spruce tree with paper Christmas ornaments, cookies, gilded nuts, and candy canes. The hook shape of the candy canes made them the perfect accent to adorn the tree.

The red stripes on candy canes symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and the white background, His purity. Reflection: Lord, you came to shepherd and guide us. Gently guide us to the path of salvation at times when we may wander.

The big mystery is when confectioners started to add peppermint to candy canes, which were a Christmastime treat. The unconfirmed legend of the candy cane itself is that a German choirmaster asked the candy maker to add a shepherd's crook to the candy stick to remind kids of the nativity scene, but nobody really knows.