Candy Trains: A Sweet Holiday Project
I remember the excitement of holiday parties as a child, not just for the gifts, but for the edible crafts! One year, Mrs. Gable, our elementary school art teacher, had us making candy trains. The sticky, peppermint-scented air, the challenge of getting the candies to stay put, and the pure joy of devouring our creations afterward are memories I still cherish. These little trains weren’t just treats; they were edible masterpieces, tiny locomotives fueled by sugar and holiday spirit.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients: 4
- Serves: 24
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian (check specific candy ingredients for suitability for other diets)
Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) package Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses
- 1 (10 ounce) package Hershey’s Nuggets Chocolates
- 1 lb Peppermint Candy Wheels
- 3 (1 1/4 ounce) packages Life Savers Five-Flavor Roll Candy (Story Books 8)
Equipment Needed
- Double-sided tape
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your base. Take one Life Savers Five-Flavor Roll package.
- Using double-sided tape, affix four Peppermint Candy Wheels to the roll, positioning them as the train’s wheels. Ensure the wheels are evenly spaced along the bottom of the Life Savers roll for stability.
- Next, create the engineer’s cabin. Take one Hershey’s Nugget and attach it to the top of the Life Savers roll using double-sided tape. This will serve as the cabin where the conductor “sits.”
- Finally, construct the steam stack. Take a Hershey’s Kiss and tape it to the top of the Life Savers roll on the opposite end from the engineer’s cabin. This represents the train’s smokestack.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Tape Quality: The success of this project hinges on the quality of your double-sided tape. Opt for a strong, clear tape for the best adhesion. Test a small piece of tape on the candies beforehand to ensure it doesn’t damage the wrappers.
- Candy Temperature: If your candies are too cold, the tape may not adhere properly. Allow the candies to reach room temperature before starting. Conversely, if they’re too warm, the chocolate may soften.
- Assembly Line: If you’re making a large batch, set up an assembly line with all the candies and tape readily available. This will streamline the process and make it more efficient.
- Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different candies! Use miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips, or other small candies to decorate the trains.
- Secure the Stack: For extra security, you can melt a tiny bit of chocolate and use it as “glue” to attach the Hershey’s Kiss to the Life Savers roll. Let the chocolate set completely before handling the train.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These candy trains are best served immediately after assembly, as the tape may lose its stickiness over time. They make delightful party favors, place settings, or edible decorations for holiday gatherings. If you need to store them, keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Be mindful that chocolate can bloom (develop a white coating) if exposed to temperature fluctuations, although this doesn’t affect the taste. It’s best not to refrigerate them, as condensation can cause the candies to become sticky. The trains should last for a few days at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific brands and serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130.7 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | N/A | 22% |
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 7% |
| Cholesterol | 2.4 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 15.9 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.7 g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 17.3 g | 69% |
| Protein | 0.8 g | 1% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Theme Trains: Create themed trains based on holidays or interests. For a Christmas train, use red and green Peppermint Wheels and add a miniature candy cane. For a birthday train, use colorful sprinkles and attach a small birthday candle (for decorative purposes only; do not light it on the candy train).
- Allergy-Friendly: Be mindful of potential allergens when selecting your candies. For a nut-free version, carefully check the labels of all ingredients. There are now many vegan-friendly candies available, allowing you to create a vegan candy train.
- Different Bases: If you can’t find Life Savers Rolls, you could potentially use a stack of round crackers or even small boxes, decorated to look like train cars. Get creative with your base!
- Engine Details: Use edible markers to draw faces on the Hershey’s Nuggets or add small candies for buttons and other details.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What if the tape isn’t sticking well?
A: Ensure the candies are clean and dry. Sometimes, a little bit of moisture or oil on the wrappers can prevent the tape from adhering properly. Also, use a strong, clear double-sided tape.
Q: Can I use hot glue instead of tape?
A: While hot glue would certainly provide a stronger bond, it’s not recommended, especially when making these with children. Hot glue can be dangerous, and it would make the candy inedible.
Q: How can I make these trains more stable?
A: Make sure the Peppermint Wheels are evenly spaced and firmly attached to the Life Savers roll. You can also add a small piece of cardboard underneath the train for extra support.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: While you can make them a day or two in advance, the tape may lose its stickiness over time, especially in humid environments. It’s best to make them as close to serving time as possible.
Q: What if the chocolate melts during assembly?
A: Work in a cool environment and handle the chocolate candies as little as possible. If they start to melt, pop them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm them up before continuing.
Final Thoughts
These candy trains are more than just a sugary snack; they’re a fun, creative activity that brings people together. They’re perfect for holiday parties, classroom projects, or a simple afternoon of crafting with your kids. So gather your candies, grab some tape, and let your imagination run wild! I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own edible locomotives and share the joy of candy trains with your loved ones. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your creations and share them with me. Happy crafting!