Do you still have traces of the holidays hanging around the house? Wondering what to do with those broken candy canes?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Crush them up for toppings. To minimize mess, keep the candy cane wrapped, put it on top of a cutting board or plate (in case the package comes open) and smash it to smithereens with a glass, wine bottle, or rolling pin. (This is also super for post-holiday stress relief!) Sprinkle on top of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, brownies, cake, or cupcakes. A multi-colored candy cane will look like confetti.
2. Mix broken candy canes into hot chocolate or coffee. Larger pieces may not dissolve all the way, but they’ll still add some pepperminty flavor.
3. Use as breath mints. Break candy canes into pieces and refill an old mint tin.
Note: As with any hard candy or cake topping, candy cane pieces can be a choking hazard or just sharp. Be careful about giving them to small children and make sure to supervise them.