SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 2015
Sunrise: 7:54 am
Sunset: 5:05 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Candy Cane Day. Yes, this veritable symbol of tasty festivity has a dedicated day, so if you ever needed an excuse to stockpile them or indulge, now you have one.
One popular story says a choirmaster in 17th century Germany gave candy sticks to quiet noisy children during Christmas services. He fashioned a hook on one end to symbolize a shepherd's staff, acknowledging all who watched over their flocks that night.
Here in the United States, a candy maker in Indiana is said to have bent one end of the sugar stick to form a ‘J' for Jesus; and a man named August Imgard has been hailed as the first to decorate his holiday tree with candy canes.
One thing we do know is that the mass production of candy canes is inherently American. It was candy man Bob McCormack who cornered the market in the 1920s by turning out handmade candy canes by the thousands at his factory in Albany, Georgia.
Happy Candy Cane Day !
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
A significant symbol of Christmas
Is the simple candy cane.
Its shape is the crook of the shepherd,
One of the first who came.
The lively peppermint flavor is
The regal gift of spice.
The white is Jesus' purity
The red is sacrifice
The narrow stripes are friendship
And the nearness of his love.
Eternal sweet compassion
A gift from God above
The candy cane reminds us all
Of how much God cared
And like His Christmas gift to use
It's meant to be broken and shared.
This time of year I start thinking about things to do with leftover candy canes and here’s a recipe I found, that just might do the trick.
Peppermint Bark.
1 cup crushed red and white candy canes
2 pounds white chocolate
Peppermint extract
Put the candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4 inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate slowly in a double boiler until completely melted, thich and creamy. Add most of the candy cane chunks, set a few aside, and peppermint extract to the chocolate. Pour your mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper, top with the remaining candy cane chunks, and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Lastly, remove chocolate from cookie sheet and break into pieces, like peanut brittle. Enjoy the taste of Christmas!
Leftover holiday candy canes can also be used to decorate a variety of cakes and cookies, either as larger chunks or crushed finely and used as sprinkles. They can also be used as classy stirrers, should you decide to make some rich, mint infused hot chocolate.
Research has now shown us that there may be more to just the tradition of candy canes. The natural peppermint they contain actually may be good for our health in many ways. In the midst of all the indulgence and decadence this time of year, it's comforting to know there are some very real health benefits to some of the most common flavors of the season
One of the two biggest active ingredients in peppermint is menthol, the compound that gives so many of those over the counter cold and cough remedies their minty smell. Sometimes when you're really under the weather, that might be good enough!
It seems this is a very busy time of year for all and the Christmas celebrations will continue for most of the weekend. I hope you all are enjoying some quality family time!
I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday !
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Christmas isn't about candy canes, holly, or lights all aglow. It's about the hearts that we touch and the care that we show.
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
3439. For Candy Canes, always tasty and good for you too!
3440. For legends with a good lesson to learn
3441. for my sense of taste, and smell too, Id miss the taste of peppermint
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT’s
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
Turn that candy cane upside down,
And it becomes a J.
It symbolizes Jesus,
The true reason for Christmas day.
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
3 comments:
That peppermint bark does sound yummy! Someone at hubby's work gave hom a Santa sleigh and the bottom was made of 2 candy canes, so we will have a bit of peppermint treat this Christmas season.
Betty
The company in Albany, Georgia was Bob's Candies. I just looked it up, and they sold the company in 2005...does it still say Bob's Candies? I don't know, I will have to remember to look next year! (I always put my candy canes into my Santa Claus mug and put the paper box into my recyle bin!!)
You have the most interesting things on your posts!
I certainly enjoy both (origin) legends! Peppermint is such a refreshing and invigorating taste, isn't it?
Post a Comment