Tickling Our Tastebuds

by Denise Valentine

Hello, everyone. I hope everyone is healthy. With recent reports that the pandemic is reaching crises levels again, more people are looking for projects to do at home.

I thought it would be fun to share a recipe that is interactive with the children or grandchildren. Everyone loves cookies. These Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for Christmas. Enjoy them yourself or make them for gift-giving.

I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

Candy Cane Cookies

½ cup butter or margarine, softened
½ cup shortening
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
1½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. red food color
½ cup crushed peppermint candy
½ cup granulated sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confections’ sugar, egg, and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in half; blend food color into one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope. For smooth, even ropes, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place ropes side by side; press together lightly and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down to form handle of cane.

Bake about 9 minutes or until set and very light brown. Mix candy and granulated sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture; remove from baking sheet and cool completely on wire rack.