Each year there are lots of extra candy canes floating around the house. Use them up with these creative ideas.

• Use candy canes as stirring sticks for hot beverages.
• Add crushed candy canes to vanilla frosting and make cookie sandwiches with purchased cookies or graham crackers.
• Add crushed candy canes to Rice Krispy treats.
• Melt some purchased white almond bark and add crushed candy cane pieces. Pour onto waxed paper and chill for instant Candy Cane Bark.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of iced cupakes or on top of ice cream sundaes.
• Layer ice cream and hot fudge sauce with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream for a peppermint twist treat.
• Dip the candy canes in chocolate coating, following the directions at Coated Candy Canes
• Save the candy canes and use them for decorations next year, like Sweet Hearts, a Candy Cane Planter, Candy Cane Sleighs, or Candy Cane Candles.
• Then grab a candy cane to enjoy, and check out the Christmas Myths and Legends at About.com's Urban Legends site, including origins of candy canes!