Grocery
Peppermint Sticks for Baking and Snacking
What it is
These are hard candies with a distinct peppermint flavor, typically striped in red and white. They are made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint oil. The texture is firm and brittle, designed to be enjoyed slowly or used as a decorative and flavorful element in various culinary creations. Their bright appearance and strong aroma make them a festive choice.
How people cook with it
Peppermint sticks are versatile in the kitchen, adding a burst of minty sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes. They can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into recipes.
- Crushed for cookie toppings
- Melted into sauces
- Garnished on desserts
- Enjoyed as a simple treat
To use peppermint sticks, you can either enjoy them whole as a refreshing candy. For baking, they can be gently crushed using a rolling pin or food processor. The resulting shards or powder can be sprinkled over cookies, cakes, or brownies before baking or as a finishing touch. They can also be melted carefully over low heat to create a peppermint syrup or glaze, which is excellent for drizzling over ice cream, pastries, or even as a component in savory glazes for meats like pork or duck. Their strong flavor means a little goes a long way.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike softer mint candies, peppermint sticks are hard and meant to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Their concentrated peppermint oil provides a sharper, more intense mint flavor compared to milder mints. The rigid structure also makes them ideal for crushing into decorative pieces.
Who it is for
Home bakers and candy enthusiasts often use peppermint sticks to add a festive touch and minty flavor to their creations.
How to keep the rest
To maintain their crispness and flavor, store leftover peppermint sticks in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from moisture, as this can cause them to become sticky or dissolve. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the peppermint aroma from fading or affecting other nearby foods.