Cello’s Canine Candy Canes

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups organic garbanzo bean flour (plus more – see note)
• 1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup organic beef stock/broth, chicken stock, or vegetable stock (see note)
• 2 large organic, free range eggs
• 2 tsp red, all natural food coloring (see tips)
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 large organic, free range egg, whites only (for an egg wash)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk together the flour, powdered milk and baking powder.
2. Pour beef stock in small bowl, and whisk the eggs into stock.
3. Form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients.
4. Stir until thoroughly combined.
5. Knead the dough for about two minutes.
6. Add more flour until the dough is no longer sticky (dough will be VERY sticky and hard to work with.  Keep adding flour until dough is reasonable to work with.
7. Divide the dough in half.
8. Form a well in one of the halves of dough.
9. Add the food coloring and peppermint flavoring to the one half of dough.
10. Wearing food safe gloves, knead the coloring and flavoring throughout the dough.
11. Cool the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350° F
13. Scoop a tablespoon of each half of dough  into tablespoon-sized balls.
14. Gently roll each ball into a “worm” shape, letting the dough rest when needed. Each strip should be about 5 inches long.
15. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
16. Twist one plain strip with a red strip, and curl the end to shape a candy cane.
17. Place on the baking sheet.
18. Whisk the extra egg (whites only) in a small bowl.
19. Using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat each candy cane with the egg wash.
20. Bake for 10-15 minutes. (let cool in oven for crunchier treat)
21. Cool completely on a wire rack.

NOTES:

Garbanzo bean flour:  Although a great alternative to grain-based flour, this flour is SUPER sticky and can be difficult to work with. Keep adding flour until dough is at a consistency you are comfortable working with.  Allowing the dough to cool in freezer will help with handling this sticky dough.

Broth/Stock:  No matter which stock you choose (Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable), be sure to check that it does NOT contain any form of onion, or onion powder

Food Coloring: rather than use artificial coloring, I chose an all-natural vegetable base coloring made from beet juice (India Tree brand vegetable colorants).  Beet powder is also another great alternative to artificial coloring.

Yield:  will depend on how long/thick you make each “worm” when you are twisting the candy canes.  My batch made 15 candy canes.

Storing: Remember, these treats do not have any preservatives, so they will need to be refrigerated, or frozen for use at a later time. These canine candy canes will keep fresh for approximately two weeks in the refrigerator, or for about 6 months in the freezer.