How to Make Healthy Homemade Candy Canes: A Nutritious Twist on a Holiday Classic
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Candy canes are a beloved holiday treat, but traditional versions are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.
This year, why not try something different? Make your own healthy candy canes at home using natural sweeteners and flavors. These guilt-free treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends, adding a festive touch to your holiday celebrations while keeping things a bit more wholesome.
Why Make Healthy Candy Canes?
Making candy canes at home allows you to control the ingredients, reducing the sugar content and avoiding artificial colors and flavors. Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and incorporating flavors like peppermint extract from real mint leaves ensures you enjoy all the seasonal flavors without the unhealthy additives.
How to Make Healthy Homemade Candy Canes: A Nutritious Twist on a Holiday Classic
Course: Dining, Drinks and More, RecipesCuisine: sweets, holidayDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (preferably from real mint leaves)
Natural red food coloring (optional, made from beet juice or other natural sources)
Coconut oil (for greasing hands and surfaces)
Directions
- Prepare Your Work Surface:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with coconut oil. Also, lightly grease a wooden spoon and your gloves with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Candy Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey or maple syrup, coconut sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring the tip is submerged in the mixture but not touching the bottom of the pan.
- Continue to heat the mixture without stirring until it reaches 285°F (140°C), also known as the “soft crack” stage. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the thermometer to avoid burning.
- Once the mixture reaches 285°F, immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Color and Shape the Candy Canes:
- If you want to add color to your candy canes, divide the mixture into two portions. Add a few drops of natural red food coloring to one portion and stir quickly to combine.
- Pour both portions of the hot candy mixture onto the greased parchment paper in long, separate lines. Let it cool for a minute until it’s cool enough to handle but still pliable.
- Wearing gloves, pick up one piece of candy mixture and gently pull and twist it to form a long rope. Repeat with the second piece of candy mixture.
- Twist the two ropes together to create the classic candy cane stripes. Continue to pull and twist until the candy canes are the desired thickness.
- Quickly shape the twisted ropes into candy cane shapes (hooks) before they harden completely.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the candy canes to cool completely on the parchment paper until they harden.
- Store the candy canes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Equipment:
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small saucepan
Wooden spoon
Gloves (to handle hot candy)
Why These Candy Canes Are Healthier
- Natural Sweeteners: Using honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar provides a natural source of sweetness and can offer a richer flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: Lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, coconut sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and is less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
- Natural Coloring: Using natural red food coloring made from beets or other fruits avoids artificial dyes often found in store-bought candy.
- No Artificial Flavors: Using real peppermint extract gives a fresh, authentic taste without the need for synthetic flavorings.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Candy Canes:
- Temperature Control: Be precise with the candy thermometer to ensure the candy reaches the “soft crack” stage. This will help achieve the perfect texture.
- Work Quickly: Candy hardens fast as it cools, so shape and twist your candy canes swiftly.
- Safety First: Hot candy syrup can cause burns. Always use gloves and handle with care when shaping.
Enjoy Your Healthy Candy Canes!
Making these healthy candy canes at home is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit while offering a better-for-you alternative to the traditional sugary treat. Whether you hang them on your tree, use them to stir hot cocoa, or give them as thoughtful homemade gifts, these candy canes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the holidays with this healthier twist on a classic favorite!
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