The Art of the Splinter Family Candy Cane

The Splinter family has had a long tradition of making candy every year before Christmas. My Great Grandfather owned a Candy Shoppe in Madison, WI. My Grandpa had one large sweet tooth! There was always candy in the house!
In the past we have always made Candy Canes, Peanut Brittle, and Anise. We have also made caramels, toffee, chocolate covered peanuts, and many more! This weekend we made my grandparents proud by making Candy Canes, Peanut Brittle, Cashew Brittle, and Anise. Every last batch turned out absolutely delicious. Is your mouth watering yet??
We had a couple of visitors along the way.

Thanks for stopping by Melissa and Stacy!

Lets get in to the sugary details! We will just be looking into Candy Canes today. It all starts with glucose... Baking it to a specific temperature, adding a couple more ingredients... And then the fun starts!!

Once everything is cooked, you pour it on to the marble, let is settle for a short period of time, and then it is time to work it. Work it good. Work it right!

 First you have to get everything worked into a pile. Once it is into a pile, you have to break out a small portion to add color to. The rest gets 'pulled' on the pole to aerate it. This is what turns the mixture white. While it is being pulled we pour flavoring over it to give it taste. This batch was peppermint. Sinuses... Instantly cleared!

The rest of the batch gets color added.

This little guy got some red added. This HOT HOT HOT portion is worked till the color is completely worked in. Keep in mind it cools off very quickly. Quick hands make the best candy.

Lets move on the more HOT details!

The color and white are combined into a brick. **Please do not attempt to build an oven like the one we have. Our inventive Grandfather made this... Let's just say the children were gated in the living room...** 

Now that the sugar brick is about ready to go, the Candy Cane magic begins!! 

You have to pull, work, and roll out the end of the 'brick'. This is where the art of the candy making touch comes into play. This is not easy people! I have done a couple batches... They turned out a bit sad.. 

My mother learned from her Father and Mother. She has the touch! She is rolling out the end. When it is to her desired length she cuts it, passes it off, and continues till the 'brick' is gone! 

She passes it to the assembly line... 

The helpful assembly line 'crooks' the Candy Canes. They hand shape each one with love. When Grandma was still with us she would correct your form. She had the perfect crook. Her swift and tender hands shaped the candy with love. She never had an imperfect cane. Ever. 

If you aren't quick, the canes crack, and you are not able to get your desired shape. 

Once the canes are cool they come off the assembly line and into our tummy's... I mean, containers. We put most of them on our Christmas tree, and share them with friends. 

 The kids are  great helpers, and enjoy the art of Canes! 

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into one of our treasured family traditions. What are your holiday traditions? 

Enjoy! 

-Motivated Mommy Clayton