Freedom Drug

NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAY - December 26th

Time Line of the Candy Cane

1670
The sweet start
The story of candy canes began in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, where the choirmaster handed out the bent sweet sticks to his youngest singers to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony.

1847
Candy cane decor
August Imgard, a German-Swedish immigrant, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes in Wooster, Ohio.

1920s
Canes for the kids
In Albany, Georgia, Bob McCormack began making candy canes by hand as special Christmas treats for his children and friends.

1950s
Candy canes made for the masses
Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, invented a machine to automate the production of candy canes.

NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAY ACTIVITIES

Add some candy canes to your hot chocolate
If you're like our families, you might use this day to rest and recharge after days of bustling around for the holidays. It's the perfect excuse to curl up with some hot chocolate. Celebrate candy canes by crushing some up into your warm drink.

Make peppermint bark
You may be tired of cookies and other baked goods. If so, this will be the perfect treat since it's made with crushed candy canes, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. Peppermint bark can also serve as the perfect "thank you" for that sweet gift your received.

Stock up for next year
It's the day after Christmas, which usually means the cost of candy canes has gone down a bit. Check out some stores to stock up. They last two to three years.

Today, December 20th, marks National Hard Candy Day—a celebration of a timeless treat beloved by all ages. This day honors the sweet tooth in each of us and shines a spotlight on one of the simplest yet most delightful confections.

Hard candy, known for its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch, is crafted almost entirely from sugar, enhanced with flavorings and colors for variety. To make these treats, confectioners heat sugar syrup to a precise 320 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature at which the syrup becomes pliable. It is then poured into molds or shaped through rolling and folding. Once cooled, the syrup hardens into the brittle, glossy candy we know and love.

The history of hard candy is as fascinating as its flavors. Originally, sweets like lemon drops and peppermints were created as medicinal remedies, often used to soothe stomach ailments. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century, when sugar became more affordable, that hard candy transitioned from a luxury item for the wealthy to a widely accessible treat. By the mid-1800s, its popularity had soared, with over 400 companies dedicated to producing these sugary delights.
So, on this National Hard Candy Day, take a moment to reflect on our favorite treat.

What’s your favorite hard candy?