A little crafting tutorial to share for the Feast of Saint Valentine, inspired by a pin on Pintrest. A fellow blogger was using up candy canes from Christmas and made a heart shape with two left over ones. Seeing this and knowing the story of the Candy Cane, it seemed the most perfect treat for Saint Valentine's Feast Day!
The Legend of the Candy Cane
“A humble man wished to use his candymaking art to make a Christmas gift for Christ that came straight from his heart. First he shaped the candy into a shepherd's staff, a "J" - to stand for the name of Jesus, who was born on Christmas Day. He used white stripes to symbolize Jesus' virgin birth, and His sinlessness and purity during His time on earth. Finally, he colored the candy with stripes made out of red, to represent the scourging and the blood that Jesus shed. He had created the Candy Cane, to remind us during this season that Christmas is a sweet gift of love - Jesus is the reason.”
Saint Valentine sent hearts of parchment to those imprisoned for their Faith. On the Feast of Saint Valentine let us remember the Candy Cane heart for one of God’s most dear friends who shed his blood for LOVE of Him whom created Him.
“This saint fought even unto death, for the law of his God, and feared not the words of the wicked; for he was set upon a firm rock.”
-Antiphon of St. Valentine
The Legend of the Candy Cane
“A humble man wished to use his candymaking art to make a Christmas gift for Christ that came straight from his heart. First he shaped the candy into a shepherd's staff, a "J" - to stand for the name of Jesus, who was born on Christmas Day. He used white stripes to symbolize Jesus' virgin birth, and His sinlessness and purity during His time on earth. Finally, he colored the candy with stripes made out of red, to represent the scourging and the blood that Jesus shed. He had created the Candy Cane, to remind us during this season that Christmas is a sweet gift of love - Jesus is the reason.”
Saint Valentine sent hearts of parchment to those imprisoned for their Faith. On the Feast of Saint Valentine let us remember the Candy Cane heart for one of God’s most dear friends who shed his blood for LOVE of Him whom created Him.
“This saint fought even unto death, for the law of his God, and feared not the words of the wicked; for he was set upon a firm rock.”
-Antiphon of St. Valentine
How to Make Candy Cane Hearts
What you will need:
A box of candy canes (large or small work fine)
Popsicle sticks or lollypop sticks, half as many as you have candy canes
Parchment paper or silicon baking sheet
White (red) Melting Chocolate, white chocolate chips ect. optional
Sprinkles optional
For packaging:
Plastic Wrap or Fold Over Sandwich Bags (no zipper)
Scissors
Red/White Ribbon
THIS PRINT OUT
White Card Stock
Printer
Don't forget the helpful little hands, and lots of love inspired by the martyr of Christ!
A box of candy canes (large or small work fine)
Popsicle sticks or lollypop sticks, half as many as you have candy canes
Parchment paper or silicon baking sheet
White (red) Melting Chocolate, white chocolate chips ect. optional
Sprinkles optional
For packaging:
Plastic Wrap or Fold Over Sandwich Bags (no zipper)
Scissors
Red/White Ribbon
THIS PRINT OUT
White Card Stock
Printer
Don't forget the helpful little hands, and lots of love inspired by the martyr of Christ!
Remove plastic packaging from candy canes. Place two in opposite directions to form a heart. Lovingly demonstrated by my middle son.
Place on silacone baking sheet or parchment paper. Space out enough that you have room for the length of the sticks after baking. Fill the hearts with white chocolate chips (or pieces). ** Note, the first time I made these without chocolate and then stuck them back in the over just enough to melt the chocolate (2 min or so) and spread the chocolate. It actually worked better that way, but alas I had no pictures of this trial run!
Ready to go into the oven! 300 degrees for about 5-7 minutes. Watch them good because they go from solid to gooey quickly.
Melting away in the oven!
Out they come, the chocolate was over cooked. I highly recommend placing the chocolate inside the last minute or so then it isn't over cooked and you can spread three chips into the shape of a heart with a little frosting knife. Add your stick quickly before they cool. Just nudge the end of it into the bottom of the heart and let cool for a few minutes.
When they are cooled all the way (the chocolate takes longer than the candy cane) take them off and wrap them with a bit of plastic wrap, clear cellophane or non-zippered plastic bag.
Print and cut out your Candy Cane Heart Cards. Fold and place a single hole punch at the top left of the card.
Tie the card on with some red/white ribbon and curl.
Send them to your friends and family! This little box is going to some dear friends of ours that share our love for the Holy Catholic Faith and Christ's saintly friends. May you all have a blessed St. Valentine's Feast Day tomorrow.
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