Taffy Candy Canes

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red Food Coloring

1. Combine the sugar, water, vinegar and
butter in the medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat until sugar
is dissolved,stirring constantly.
3. Lower the heat and continue to cook without
stirring,to 260 degrees on the candy
thermometer or until a small amount
of syrup forms a firm ball when dropped in
very cold water.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint
extract.
5. Pour half the mixture into the buttered pan.
6. Color the remaining half with red food coloring.
Allow to cool a few minutes.
7. With clean, lightly buttered hands,
pull the taffy until it begins to feel
a little stiff (about 6 to 8 minutes)
8. Take one strand of white and one of
red and twist together,then form into
candy-cane shapes. Allow to cool on waxed paper.

Variation: Use a variety of food coloring to make
the taffy, then make all sorts of shapes and designs
for the holiday.

Makes 2 dozen