Each year there are lots of extra candy canes floating around the house. Use them up with these creative ideas.

• Use candy canes as stirring sticks for hot beverages.
• Add crushed candy canes to vanilla frosting and make cookie sandwiches with purchased cookies or graham crackers.
• Add crushed candy canes to Rice Krispy treats.
• Melt some purchased white almond bark and add crushed candy cane pieces. Pour onto waxed paper and chill for instant Candy Cane Bark.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of iced cupakes or on top of ice cream sundaes.
• Layer ice cream and hot fudge sauce with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream for a peppermint twist treat.
• Crush and stir into brownie batter.  Bake for a pepperminty brownie OR use one of the fruit flavored ones for a tasty treat.
• Use for Valentine’s Day heart shaped candy. Unwrap two mini candy canes, place on a baking sheet in the shape of a heart (hook to hook and tail to tail). Bake at 350 for a couple minutes til they stick to each other. Cool and remove with a spatula. They look great placed on top of frosted cupcakes!