** red and white peppermint candy or candy canes

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In large mixer bowl combine powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, vanilla and egg. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (2 to 3 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add flour and salt. Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Divide dough in half. Stir in candy into 1 half of dough; beat food color into remaining half of dough. Roll one teaspoonful of each dough to form 4-inch round ropes. Place 2 ropes side by side; twist gently like a rope and roll dough together. Repeat with remaining dough. For best result complete cookies one at a time to prevent drying out. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets; curve one end to form handle of cane. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet.

Makes 4-1/2 dozen.

Souce: http://www. Foodwine. Com/food/foodday