An idea for leftover candy canes

An idea for leftover candy canes

Here is an oh-so-simple culinary activity that is fun and delicious. It’s the perfect Christmas break or January activity. In fact, it’s so good that I recommend buying all the candy canes you can find so you can enjoy it throughout the year. Even if we tend to associate candy canes with Christmas, this recipe is a crowd pleaser year-round!

Here is what you will need:

• Candy canes
• Vanilla ice cream
• OREO baking crumbs
• Melted butter
• Small individual pie plates

If you prefer, you can also make one large pie with your group, but if you make individual pies, children can take them home or offer them as gifts.

Now, here’s what you need to do.

First, leave the ice cream out for at least 30 minutes so that is nice and soft. Have each child add enough ice cream to fill his or her pie plate to a small bowl and set it aside. The ice cream mustn’t be completely melted, but it must be soft enough so that it can easily be stirred.

During this time, have children break candy canes into pieces. The candy cane pieces will need to be crushed into a fine powder. There are 2 options. Children can add the candy cane pieces to a large Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or, if you prefer, you can add them to a coffee grinder or blender. With supervision, children will love turning it on and watching the candy pieces be turned into powder like magic. What’s more, this step smells amazing!

Per the instructions on the Oreo baking crumbs package, combine crumbs and melted butter. Deposit a few spoonfuls of this mixture in each individual pie plate and encourage children to press it down using a spoon to completely cover the bottom and sides of the plates.

Have children add candy cane powder to their softened ice cream and mix. Have them add one spoonful at a time, mixing well after each addition until they are satisfied with the peppermint flavor. The more powder they add, the darker the ice cream color will be. Aim for a light-pink color.

When they are satisfied, they can spoon the pink ice cream into their pie crust and spread it around to completely fill it.

If you have leftover candy cane ice cream, you may choose to let children eat it at snack time or provide small resealable containers that they can fill with ice cream. Write each child’s name on his or her container and set them in the freezer for a cool treat they can enjoy later.

Give each child a Ziploc bag and invite them to decorate it with stickers or permanent markers. They can slide their individual pie inside. Lay them flat in the freezer to let the ice cream harden.

In a few hours, your candy cane pies will be ready!

Patricia-Ann Morrison