Christmas Candy: A Sweet Tradition

Christmas Candy: A Sweet Tradition

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Christmas Candy: A Sweet Tradition

Old-Fashioned Christmas Candy Wisconsin Cheeseman

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, candy. Candy canes, gingerbread men, and chocolate Santas are just a few of the many sweet treats that we enjoy during the holiday season. But where did these candies come from, and what do they mean?

The History of Christmas Candy

The tradition of eating candy at Christmas dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, sugar was a rare and expensive commodity, so only the wealthy could afford to eat it. As sugar became more common in the 14th and 15th centuries, candy became more affordable and popular.

By the 16th century, candy was a staple of Christmas celebrations. Gingerbread men were often given as gifts, and candy canes were used to decorate Christmas trees. Chocolate Santas became popular in the 19th century, and they have remained a favorite Christmas candy ever since.

The Meaning of Christmas Candy

In addition to being a delicious treat, Christmas candy also has a number of symbolic meanings.

  • Candy canes: The shape of a candy cane is said to represent the shepherd’s crook, which was used to guide sheep. The red and white stripes represent the blood of Christ and the purity of the Virgin Mary.
  • Gingerbread men: Gingerbread men are often decorated with icing and sprinkles, which represent the gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus.
  • Chocolate Santas: Chocolate Santas represent Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop in the 4th century. Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity, and he is often depicted as giving gifts to children.

Christmas Candy Today

Today, Christmas candy is more popular than ever. There are hundreds of different types of Christmas candy available, from traditional favorites to new and innovative creations. No matter what your taste, there is sure to be a Christmas candy that you will enjoy.

Here are a few of the most popular Christmas candies today:

  • Candy canes: Candy canes are the most popular Christmas candy in the United States. They are made from sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint flavoring.
  • Gingerbread men: Gingerbread men are another popular Christmas candy. They are made from flour, sugar, ginger, and molasses.
  • Chocolate Santas: Chocolate Santas are a classic Christmas candy. They are made from chocolate and are often decorated with red and white icing.
  • Gumdrops: Gumdrops are a type of candy that is made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. They are often flavored with fruit flavors.
  • Peppermint bark: Peppermint bark is a type of candy that is made from chocolate and peppermint flavoring. It is often decorated with white chocolate stripes.

Christmas Candy Recipes

If you are looking for a way to make your own Christmas candy, here are a few recipes to get you started:

Candy Canes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Red and white food coloring

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
  4. Divide the mixture in half and add red food coloring to one half and white food coloring to the other half.
  5. Pour the red mixture onto a greased baking sheet and roll it out into a thin sheet.
  6. Pour the white mixture onto the red mixture and roll it out into a thin sheet.
  7. Cut the candy into 1-inch strips and twist them into candy canes.
  8. Let the candy canes cool completely before serving.

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and molasses. Beat in the egg.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
  6. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
  7. Place the gingerbread men on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  8. Let the gingerbread men cool completely before decorating.

Chocolate Santas

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound semisweet chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red and white candy melts

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  2. Pour the chocolate mixture into a mold and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
  3. Once the chocolate is set, pop the Santas out of the mold.
  4. Melt the red and white candy melts according to the package directions.
  5. Dip the Santas in the melted red candy melts to coat them.
  6. Use the melted white candy melts to pipe on the Santas’ faces and clothes.
  7. Let the Santas cool completely before serving.

Conclusion

Christmas candy is a delicious and festive tradition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are making your own candy or buying it from the store, be sure to enjoy this sweet treat during the holiday season.

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