Unripe

This year's crop of candy canes have been harvested and laid aside. Some have found their end in a blender with chocolate ice cream and milk, while others drowned in white chocolate and candy sprinkles. 'Twas a sad yet tasty passing, indeed. What candy canes survive the chocolate-peppermint milkshakes, however, will see an extended life of 6-8 months. "Green" candy canes should not be eaten on their own. Ripe ones, however ... ah, now there is a real treat! The perfect combination of chewy-on-the-outside-and-crunchy-on-the-inside must be reached in order to fully enjoy the minty goodness of a candy cane. Remember children, never eat a candy cane before it is ripe.