What makes candy canes?

* Sugar: The primary ingredient, providing sweetness and structure.

* Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup.

* Flavoring: Typically peppermint extract, but other flavors like cinnamon or wintergreen are also used.

* Coloring: Red food coloring is usually used for traditional candy canes, but other colors are available.

Here's how they're made:

1. Sugar syrup: Sugar and water are heated to create a thick syrup.

2. Flavor and color: Flavoring and coloring are added to the syrup.

3. Pulling and shaping: The syrup is pulled and stretched until it becomes pliable and then formed into long, thin strips.

4. Twisting: The strips are twisted into the classic candy cane shape.

5. Cooling and hardening: The twisted candy canes are allowed to cool and harden.

Interesting fact: Candy canes were originally white and straight! The red color and curved shape came later.