Cello’s Canine Candy Canes
- 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:
- Whisk together the flour, powdered milk and baking powder.
- Pour beef stock in small bowl, and whisk the eggs into stock.
- Form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients.
- Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Knead the dough for about two minutes.
- 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.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Form a well in one of the halves of dough.
- Add the food coloring and peppermint flavoring to the one half of dough.
- Wearing food safe gloves, knead the coloring and flavoring throughout the dough.
- Cool the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F
- Scoop a tablespoon of each half of dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Gently roll each ball into a “worm” shape, letting the dough rest when needed. Each strip should be about 5 inches long.
- Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Twist one plain strip with a red strip, and curl the end to shape a candy cane.
- Place on the baking sheet.
- Whisk the extra egg (whites only) in a small bowl.
- Using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat each candy cane with the egg wash.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes. (let cool in oven for crunchier treat)
- 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.