Recipes that Use Crushed Candy Canes

When buying candy canes this holiday season, grab some extra. You're also going to need your wooden rolling-pin and a plastic freezer bag for these sweet recipes that use crushed candy canes.

Candy Cane Fudge

Ingredients:

• 2 (10 ounce) packages vanilla baking chips
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3/4 cups crushed candy canes
• few drops red or green liquid food coloring

Directions:

Line an 8 inch square baking dish with aluminum foil; spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until about half of the mixture is melted; remove from heat and continue to stir until completely smooth.

When all of the chips are melted, add the peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.

Gently stir in red or green food coloring - just enough for a swirling effect.

Spread fudge in prepared baking; chill until firm.

Remove fudge from pan and foil when solid; cut into squares.

Candy Cane Parfaits
Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 24 Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 candy canes, crushed

Directions:

Prepare instant pudding according to package directions; set aside.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese on low speed until smooth; add whipped topping; stir until well combined.

Layer in 5 parfait glasses -- cookie crumbs - pudding - cream cheese/whipped topping; repeat. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

I love TGI Fridays serves drink menu. Here's their delicious older recipe for TGI Friday's Candy Cane Beverage, made with Creme De Cacao, peppermint schnapps and vanilla ice cream!

A few more ideas...

Add crushed candy canes to Rice Krispy treats.

Sprinkle them over ice cream, or on top of iced cupcakes and sugar cookies.

Use whole candy canes as flavorful stirs for hot chocolate or coffee.