Candycane Vodka.......More DIY Gifts

I've seen a couple variations of this on Pinterest & http://www.scarymommy.com/ so I decided to try it myself. It looked so simple & perfect to pair with our Christmas boxes of Peppermint Bark , White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (Posting coming soon) & Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies !

I also made a variation of this Vodka to be used to make Martinis: Spiced Ginger Pear Vodka..Mmmmmmm! Check out the recipe for Candycane Vodka,  & Spiced Ginger-Pear Vodka

CandyCane Vodka

Ingredients:

1 large Quart jar (also used for jarring or canning) with combining lid

1 package Red & White Striped Candy canes (don’t use the ones with green or it will come out with a strange hue

A couple drops Peppermint Extract

Good Quality Vodka

Directions:

Peel your candy canes & place into vodka. Add a couple of drops of the peppermint extract, shake, place lid on & tighten. Place into a cool & dry area for about a week. Shake well every few days. Serve chilled over ice, or use in a martini or mixed drink.

Hand Piped Candy Designs-Part 2

I hand drew these designs with a style similar to the fleur de lis, and then piped melted colored almond bark (Vanilla) into a disposable icing bag, with a Wilton tip #7 onto the design covered with Parchment paper. Because I piped over the design I was able to repeat it multiple times by just adding a new piece of parchment paper.

As soon as I finished the piping, I sprinkled it with Wiltons edible glitter, and transferred the sheet to a large rounded coffee can. Try to find something that has the same circumference as your cake, otherwise it will dry into a shape, and will start to break when you attach it to your cake.

Mine wasn't perfect, and did break in some places, but since I had just iced my cake which was setting in the fridge, I was able to fix it, and reconnect the pieces by pressing them back into the icing.

Chill the designs in the freezer for about 2-3 minutes, then gently remove from your parchment paper & press into your cake. These can be done in any color or style.