Candy Cane Cookies were a special treat and a favorite at our house. All the children could participate making them and it was fun to see the many shapes those candy canes became. However, after rolling them in crushed peppermint from a large candy peppermint stick, we all knew what they were meant to be (besides being melt in your mouth delicious). We would recall the story from years ago (1400’s) of the choirmaster who bent the sugar sticks to look like a shepherds crook.

The cookies take a little time to make. The dough is divided in half and one half is colored red. Small pieces of each cough are rolled together and twisted to look like the candy cane. After baking they are rolled in the crushed peppermint. “Mmmmm good”.

Recipe

1 cup shortening
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients and divide batter in half. Color one half with ½ tsp red food coloring. Roll 1 tsp of each into a 4 inch strip. Press together and twist. Place on ungreased sheet and bake for 9 minutes at 375. Roll baked cookies in combined ½ cup crushed peppermint and ½ cup sugar.

~ Pat Vobornik

Scripture

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Prayer

Creator God, when You wanted to illumine Your world, You made the sun, moon, and stars. Thank You for sending John to bear witness to the Light which was coming into the world. That light has shined on us and we are able to bring light to others. We are grateful! Amen.