This delightful project not only adds a sweet touch to your festive decor but also connects you with the rich history of peppermint candies and the reason they are so readily available during the holidays. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss the history of peppermint candies and why they are so universally available during the holidays. Then, I’ll share a really cute DIY Christmas candy dish by melting peppermint candies.
The History of Peppermint Candies
Peppermint candies have a storied history that dates back centuries. The use of peppermint for medicinal purposes can be traced to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The refreshing and aromatic properties of peppermint made it a popular choice for various remedies.
Fast forward to the 18th century, when the first commercial peppermint candies made their appearance in London. These sweets gained popularity not only for their taste but also for their digestive benefits. As peppermint candies spread across Europe, they became associated with festive occasions, particularly the winter holidays.
In the United States, the association of peppermint candies with the holiday season has deep historical roots. During the 19th century, candy canes, which often have a peppermint flavor and a red-and-white striped design, became a popular Christmas treat. The red-and-white colors were symbolic, with some interpretations suggesting that the red represented the blood of Christ and the white represented purity.
Peppermint candies found their way into holiday traditions as decorative elements for Christmas trees. Families would use peppermint sticks and candies to adorn their trees, creating a visually appealing and fragrant display. This practice added a sweet and festive touch to the holiday decorations.
Peppermint candies also became a staple in Christmas stockings. The small, individually wrapped candies were easy to fit into stockings, and their association with the holiday season made them a popular and traditional treat to find on Christmas morning.
The history of peppermint candies is intertwined with ancient medicinal uses, commercialization in the 18th century, and a deep-rooted connection to holiday traditions. Today, peppermint candies continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy during the festive season. Whether used as decorations, stocking stuffers, or ingredients in holiday recipes, peppermint candies play a sweet and symbolic role in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
Why Peppermint Candies Are Associated with the Holidays
Seasonal Symbolism: Peppermint’s cool and refreshing flavor aligns perfectly with the winter season. Its association with wintergreen is reminiscent of the snowy landscapes and brisk air that characterize the holidays.
Traditional Treats: In the United States, peppermint candies became synonymous with the holiday season during the 19th century. They were often used to decorate Christmas trees and were a staple in holiday stockings.
Festive Colors and Shapes: The red and white colors of peppermint candies add a visually appealing touch to holiday decorations. Additionally, the versatility of peppermint candy shapes allows for creative and festive confections.
DIY Peppermint Christmas Candy Dish Tutorial
Now that we’ve unwrapped the history, let’s dive back into the crafting process of your DIY Christmas Candy Dish using peppermints. This delightful project not only adds a sweet touch to your holiday decor but also makes for a wonderful handmade gift. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll guide you through the process of crafting a beautiful Christmas candy bowl that will be the centerpiece of your holiday festivities.
Materials Needed:
Peppermints
Heat-resistant bow (I used a 6-inch diameter glass bowl)
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Oven mitts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that the peppermints melt evenly without burning. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the peppermints on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the peppermints melt for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-melting. You want them to just look soft but not start to spread or lose their shape.
As soon as the peppermints have melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the candy is still pliable, place the melted peppermints around the bowl to shape the dish. I started by placing the bowl in the center of the peppermints and then lifting up the parchment paper to mold the candy around the bowl. Then I flipped the bowl over so the candies could harden. Let the peppermint candy dish cool and harden for at least 30 minutes. Once it’s fully set, carefully remove it from the heat-resistant bowl.
Conclusion
I hope you found this DIY Christmas Candy Dish using peppermints tutorial helpful. This festive creation not only serves as a beautiful decoration but also doubles as a sweet treat for your holiday gatherings. Experiment with different peppermint colors and shapes to create a unique candy dish that suits your Christmas aesthetic. Share your creations with friends and family, and spread the joy of homemade holiday decor. This DIY project is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations while creating lasting memories.
If you’re looking for other Christmas stories, click here.