How to Use Candy Canes after Christmas

I love candy canes - they are cheap and readily available from about October through to December. And in our climate, they are great for holiday decorating because they don't melt! They are also cheap, and nice to crunch on. But after Christmas, when the tree comes down, what do you do with the two or three dozen candy canes in a pile on the coffee table?

You can eat them of course, as is. Or you can let your creative chef streak loose and turn them into tasty treats.  It could be something as simple as crushed candy canes over ice cream. Or you can melt some chocolate, stir in crushed candy canes and drop teaspoonsful onto baking paper to set. Crush candy canes and add them to choc chip muffins or biscuits.

But for a real treat, try this Boxing Day Mousse from the Recipe File.

Boxing Day Mousse

Ingredients:
1 pkt chocolate instant pudding
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups whipped cream
5 crushed peppermint candy canes

Method:
In a medium bowl, whisk pudding with milk and peppermint extract. Stir constantly with a wire whisk for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for 5 minutes. Add whipped cream and mix well. Spoon into serving dishes and top with a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.