商务英语原文--A Look at the Varieties of Candy Canes Available in the ...

A Look at the Varieties of Candy Canes Available in the Market
Candy canes are the most common display during Christmas festival. They are not only famous sweets but also form the most popular decorative pieces during the festival. In the early ages, when the Europeans started decorating Christmas trees, real candies and cookies were used as the decorative items. The candy canes were introduced during this time that and gained importance over the centuries. The candy canes, which made their appearance in the early era, were plain white straight sugar candy canes. They got their signature shape of bent shepherd's crook in the early days of 1670. 





They were widely used as pieces of decoration for the Christmas trees. The Americans extensively used these candy canes first in the eighteenth century. However, candy canes were still plain white. These candy canes got a colorful look in the twentieth century. Now these canes were available in red stripes. These canes were given religious importance and people started honoring the candy canes. The "J" shaped candies represented the holy name of "JESUS".





Candy canes are hard solid candies and are available in peppermint flavor. These canes are also available in different flavors. The peppermint flavor belongs to the mint family of Hyssop. Hyssop symbolizes the purity of Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made. The white color of the cane represented the pure virgin birth of Jesus Christ and the red colored strips symbolize love of God.





Candy canes are made by blending vanilla, butter, food color and peppermint together. The material and the procedure to make these canes: 


3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/4th tsp salt, 1 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 tsp red food color, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 cup powered sugar.


Procedure: Mix the flour, butter, salt, sugar, egg and the vanilla together. Mix the ingredients properly with the hand mixture on a low speed. Divide the mixture into two parts. Mix the food color in one-half and keep the other half-plain white. Preheat the oven on 375o. Roll both the halves into 4-inch rope shape. Twist the red rope on the white rope by pressing the ends.  Arrange all the candy canes in a baking sheet and bake them for about 10 minutes on 375o. These candies stay fresh for one week and if stored away from direct sunlight these candy canes will certainly last longer. These candy canes are given a final touch by adding a glossy coat and they look attractive thus lighting up the festival..