Peppermint Candy

Peppermint is second only to chocolate as America's favorite flavor. Single wrapped peppermints can be found in almost any office and many grandparents' pockets. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without candy canes. And when you put those two favorite flavors together, as in York Peppermint Patties or Junior Mints, you've got a whole that's even greater than the sum of its parts.

People have loved peppermint ever since the first caveman grazed on some serrated leaves and said, "Yum!" Peppermint is fat free and cholesterol free. Unlike chocolate, it can easily be made without sugar with no loss of flavor. This is a great blessing for diabetics and dieters. It's simple, pure, and inexpensive. It freshens your breath and aids in digestion, and those pretty red and white stripes can be found everywhere.

Hard and Soft Peppermint Candies

Hard peppermint candies, such as lozenges, sticks and candy canes, are the most common. Soft peppermints are also available, either as taffy-like chews or as puffy cushions that melt in your mouth. There are soft peppermint sticks available, too.

As everyone knows who has ever used a peppermint stick to stir their hot chocolate, peppermint candy is a great addition to food. Crush some up onto your ice cream or sprinkle on top of frosted cupcakes. Use peppermint sticks and animal crackers to make a carousel cake for a child's birthday. Not only does peppermint candy taste delicious, but it also adds a festive appearance wherever it's used.