candy canes

Candy Cane Pulling Tradition...

Add Flavor & Pulling Canes	Add Color & Twist	Shape & Cool
The Finished Product...MMMMMMM Click here to Order
Here is a glimpse into how traditional candy canes are made.
First Joe prepares a water and sugar mixture that is heated up to 300º F. This mixture is then poured onto a large marble slab where it is "flipped" and allowed to start cooling. As it reaches a cooler temp (a certain consistency) flavors are added in by a process similar to "kneading bread". After the flavors are fully blended in, the mixture, which is "amber" in color, is cut into pieces (usually three such as red, white & green) one for each color you wish to have.
One piece, if white is to be one of the final colors, is taken and "thrown" onto a stainless steel hook where Joe pulls and twists the mixture until the amber color turns white. This process is a lot like "pulling taffy". As you notice in the picture Joe needs to be wearing gloves from this point on in the pulling process for the cane mixture is still between 200º and 300º F.
Add Color & Twist
The white piece Joe has just finished is now placed on the marble slab and shaped to look like a long "loaf of bread", this shaping is done to each piece. The two color pieces, red & green for example, are now cut in half. These smaller pieces are then alternately laid onto the white piece, to create a large red, white & green stripped loaf. (note in picture section under heat lamp)
Once the loaf is stripped it can now be pulled and twisted to create the size you would like (Joe stays with 6, 12 or 24 inches generally). The smaller sizes are done first and as the loaf cools larger sizes are pulled.
Shape & Cool
Joe has now pulled and twisted the loaf into small medium and large stick like pieces. He then hands the "sticks" to Dee, his pulling helper, and she proceeds to place them onto paper lined trays. Once placed on the trays they are left in there stick form or the hook is added. The trays are then left to cool for a few hours and then the canes or sticks are individually wrapped and labeled.
Time to Taste The Finished Candy...