Candy Cane Ornaments

Made with cut rock and traditional canes from CandyCrate.com!

We just hot glued them together, used the cut rock to cover the seams and added ribbon,

Peppermint Bark with Oreos

Unique Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Candy Gifts

Gingerbread

These kits will include the pre-baked panels of the gingerbread house itself, as well as decorative candies, icing and accessories, the cardboard base that everything will be constructed on, tools and utensils to use with the construction and decorating process, and even assembly and decorating instructions.

Now there's no guess work, hassle or aggravation. Just buy a kit and get to sharing a great holiday activity which will soon become a new annual household tradition. You don't even need to do any baking!

Candy Crate has stocking stuffers for everyone!

CLICK HERE

to see all of our stocking stuffers!

How to Make your Own Gingerbread House

Have you ever made your own gingerbread house from scratch? It can be an exciting endeavor for any ambitious family looking to try their hand a delicious, creative and artistic activity. But what's involved, and how can you get started?

If you're making your own gingerbread house from scratch the first thing you need to do is come up with a plan and a concept. This includes what you want your house to look like. Will it be a generic four walls and a roof house, will it be designed after your own home, or will you do something grander and more spectacular like a huge palace or castle?

Feel free to search around a bit online and you'll find informative step-by-step guides, photo examples of different finished projects, and all kinds of tips and suggestions. That's what our Pinterest was created for!

Beyond that, the basic thing you need to remember is that your gingerbread cookie pieces are the building blocks of your home. Icing is the mortar. So you'll need to lay down a generous amount of "mortar" onto the base you're working with, as well as in between all of the gingerbread cookie pieces, to keep everything in place.

Hold them in place for a few minutes and let everything dry to create a sturdy structure, and then gently top off with the roof itself. Once the basic structure of the gingerbread house has been created, you can then go about the decorative process.

Here, the possibilities are endless, with any type of icing, sprinkles, candy treats, chocolates, marshmallows and on down the line which can be utilized. Candy canes and different colors of icing can help get things in festive spirit, and there are many ways to create a more "realistic" landscape if you'd choose, versus a more fanciful or imaginary one.

Of course, at Candy Crate, we make it easier than ever for you to make your own gingerbread house over the holidays. We offer a huge selection of gingerbreadhouse kits which include everything you need for a simple, straightforward and fun experience constructing a gingerbread house with your kids and your family.

These kits will include the pre-baked panels of the gingerbread house itself, as well as decorative candies, icing and accessories, the cardboard base that everything will be constructed on, tools and utensils to use with the construction and decorating process, and even assembly and decorating instructions.

Now there's no guess work, hassle or aggravation. Just buy a kit and get tosharing a great holiday activity which will soon become a new annual household tradition. You don't even need to do any baking!

Other favorites include options such as the Sleigh Kit, and other options from favorite characters such as

Snoopy or Rudolph the Red Noise Reindeer. Several candy brands make their own as well, includingWonka and Tootsie Roll.

We also carry pre-baked gingerbread men cookies, gingerbread Christmas tree kits, gingerbread sleigh kits, and entire gingerbread village kits.

So give making your own gingerbread house a shot this holiday season, have some fun with the kids, and let your imagination run wild!

Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

1- 15oz can of solid packed pumpkin
1 cup of evaporated milk
1/2 cup cold water
2 eggs
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup splenda
1 frozen unbaked pie shell

To make:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour into pie crust and bake for 50 minutes. Allow to completely cool before refrigerating.

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes: Mom's Jello Mold

To celebrate the week leading up to Thanksgiving we'll be sharing some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Ingredients:

1 large package raspberry Jello
2 cups cran-raspberry juice
1 cup water
1 can crushed pineapple
1 16oz tub sliced frozen strawberries

Topping:

1 16oz sour cream
2 tablespoons vanilla
1/2 cup sugar


Defrost strawberries, drain and set aside. Drain crushed pineapple and set aside. Boil 1 cup juice and 1 cup water. Add Jello mix and additional cup of cold juice. Stir in pineapple and strawberries. Pour mixture into spring form pan and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, a few hours before serving mix topping ingredients together and spread in a thick layer on top. Return to refrigerator and serve within 2-4 hours.

Pearson's Bit-O-Honey ramp-up means jobs for St. Paul

By Tom Webb
twebb@pionerpress.com

Pearson's Candy Co. is looking to add 35 to 40 full-time jobs as the candymaker moves production of its newly acquired Bit-O-Honey line to St. Paul.

Pearson's announced a job fair for Thursday to add positions "ranging from cooks and production assemblers to electro-mechanical technicians and maintenance mechanics," the company said Friday.

The job fair will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at its St. Paul plant, 2140 W. 7th Street.

The 104-year-old candy company has been in expansion mode since 2011, when it was purchased by Connecticut private-equity firm Brynwood Partners. The new owners have been reinvigorating and expanding Pearson's reach beyond old favorites like the Salted Nut Roll, Mint Patties and Nut Goodie.

"We are not done growing, not by any means," Pearson's CEO Michael Keller said Friday, adding that Pearson's owners remain "in the market, looking for other growth opportunities."

In May, Pearson's purchased the Bit-O-Honey line from Nestle, with plans to move production of the iconic candy brand from Bloomington, Ill., to St. Paul, starting early in 2014.

"This requires some alteration of our physical plant," Keller said of Pearson's West Seventh facility. "It doesn't currently require expansion. However, warehouse space is getting a little tight because we're growing so rapidly.

"So if an expansion does occur -- when an expansion does occur -- we will have to alter the site," Keller added.

The Bit-O-Honey candy bar was created in 1924 and grew into a nationally known brand. Its popularity has ebbed somewhat in recent decades, but it still has powerful name recognition and a strong nostalgic tug.

The company said Bit-O-Honey's manufacturing move to St. Paul will be partially funded by a forgivable loan from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Pearson's has won preliminary approval under a state program that offers employers incentives for adding and retaining good-paying jobs in Minnesota.

Details about the jobs and applications are available online at pearsonscandy.com/careers. Most workers at the Pearson's plant belong to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.

Pearson's had about 150 employees when it was acquired by Brynwood Partners, and the addition of the Bit-O-Honey workers will raise that to about 200, Keller said.

Tom Webb can be reached at 651-228-5428. Follow him at twitter.com/TomWebbMN.

Adorable FREE Santa Printables!

Visit FreePrettyThingsforYou.com to download these free printables!

Happy Veterans Day!

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Although, like many holidays, Veterans Day has evolved into a day of celebration of our military past and present the original November 11th celebration was a relief as the unofficial ending of World War I. Today, 95 years later we say THANK YOU to our United States Military, past and present. 

Candy Corn!

Candy Corn isn't just for eating, although we do enjoy that as well! 

Fun photo prop:

Candy buffet, for Thanksgiving or other fall events!

A beautiful centerpiece or addition to fall decor:

How do you use candy corn?

Unique Salt Water Taffy party favors!

Salt Water Taffy Kabobs with adorable 'Thank You' tags!

Sweeten your holiday decor!

Candy isn't just for eating anymore! Sweeten up your holiday decor Use a beautiful candy buffet as daily decor or a delicious edition to your holiday events!   Mellowcreme candies are a perfect and inexpensive  filler for your fall vases. Candy Corn makes a sweet addition to this adorable newborn photo!   How will you use mellowcreme candies this season? Share your photos to our Facebook page! You could even win a tasty prize!

Sweeten your holiday decor!

Candy isn't just for eating anymore! Sweeten up your holiday decor Use a beautiful candy buffet as daily decor or a delicious edition to your holiday events!   Mellowcreme candies are a perfect and inexpensive  filler for your fall vases. Candy Corn makes a sweet addition to this adorable newborn photo!   How will you use mellowcreme candies this season? Share your photos to our Facebook page! You could even win a tasty prize!

Day 31: Happy Halloween!

Hope you all got lots of treats!

Day 30: Treat we have a WINNER!!

Check out our Facebook page to see the winner!

Day 29: And after pumpkin carving comes....

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds!

To make: clean seeds thoroughly and place in plastic bowl with lid. 

Cover seeds with water and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. 

Let sit for 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Drain seeds and pat dry with a paper towel. 

Coat with two tablespoons olive oil and salt to taste.

Spread on cookie sheet in a single layer and bake one hour or until seeds are completely dry. 

Day 28: Carve some fun designs into pumpkins!

We think this is a treat, unless someone dumps guts on you ;)

Here are ours:

Post a photo below of your jack-o-lanterns! 

Day 27: Trick, easy scare tactics!

The text:

BOO! :

Hiding in a dark room and jumping out at your unsuspecting victim is a classic. Amp it up by hiding in their car, under the bed, or in the shower!

The sleeping passenger: 

You know that person that always falls asleep in the car? Wait until they do and yell at the top of your lungs! 

As always, know your audience!

Candy Crate is not responsible for any scares gone wrong.

Day 26: Halloween Movie Marathon!

These are some of our favorites! What are yours?

Day 25: Retro Candy GIVEAWAY!

Want to win this hip Beatles Tin Lunch Pail

 filled with retro candy?!

There are several ways to earn entries:

'Like' the contest post on our Facebook page

Share the post on our Facebook page

'Pin' this page or ANY item from Candy Crate's online store with the hashtag #candycratedotcom

Instagram this page or ANY item from CandyCrate.com with the hashtag #candycratedotcom 

Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your blog on the contest post on our Facebook page

'Tweet' @candycrate on twitter and tell us what your favorite retro candy is

'Tweet' a photo of this page or ANY item from CandyCrate.com with the hashtag #candycratedotcom

Contest ends Wednesday October 30, 2013. 

Winner will be announced on Facebook, Instagram, this page, and Pinterest. 

Winner will have 1 week to contact us with their mailing address.

Contest open for US Residents only.

Winner will receive 1 Beatles Retro Tin Lunch Pail (pictured above). 

They will have the option of any decade selection from the 1940's- 1990's (listed below).

"1940's Candies include: Bit O Honey, Mini Broadway Rolls, Bubble Gum Cigars, C. Howard Violet Gum, Candy Buttons, Candy Cigarettes, Charms Squares, Chuckles Jelly Candy, Long Boys, Mini Pearson's Salted Nut Roll, Red Hots, Sen Sen, Sugar Daddy Pop, Teaberry Gum, Tootsie Pops, Black Taffy, Chick O Stick Nuggets, Necco Assorted Mini Wafers, Root Beer Barrels, Salt Water Taffy, Bite Size Slo Poke and Walnettos.

1950's Candies include: Black Cow Candy Bar, Boston Baked Beans, Mini Broadway Roll, C. Howard Violet Gum, Candy Cigarettes, Charms Sweet and Sour Pop, Chuckles, Cinnamon Toothpicks, Gold Mine Gum, Licorice Pipe, Long Boys, Mike and Ikes, Mini Pearson's Salted Nut Roll, Slap Stix Caramel Pop, Sugar Daddy Pop, Teaberry Gum, Tootsie Pop, Bazooka Bubblegum, Bit O Honey, Chick O Stick Nuggets, Neccos Assorted Mini Wafers, Root Beer Barrels, Salt Water Taffy and Walnettos.

1960's Candies include: Abba Zaba Mini Bar, Big Hunk Mini Bar, Boston Baked Beans, Mini Broadway Roll, Candy Buttons, Candy Cigarettes, Charms Assorted Squares, Charms Sweet & Sour Pop, Cherryheads, Chuckles, Cinnamon Toothpicks, Giant Smarties, Licorice Pipe, Mike and Ikes, Red Hots, Sugar Daddy Pop, Teaberry Gum, Atomic Fireball, Candy Necklace, Jawbreakers, Lemonheads, Necco Assorted Mini Wafers, Now & Laters and Walnettos.

1970's Candies include: Abba Zaba Mini Bar, Appleheads, Boston Baked Beans, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Bubble Gum Cigars, Charms Sweet and Sour Pop, Cherryheads, Freshen Up Gum, Giant Smarties, Hot Tamales, Jolly Ranchers, Mini Laffy Taffy, Mini Pop Rocks, Sugar Daddy Pop, Wax Lips, Zotz, Atomic Fireballs, Bazooka Bubblegum, Candy Necklace, Jawbreakers, Lemonheads, Necco Assorted Mini Wafers and Now & Laters.

1980's Candies include: Appleheads, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Charms Blow Pop, Cherryheads, Fruit Stripe Gum, Fun Dip, Grapeheads, Jolly Ranchers, Mike and Ikes, Nerds, Mini Pop Rocks, Saf-T-Pops, Wax Fangs, Zotz, Atomic Fireballs, Candy Necklace, Bazooka Bubblegum, Bit O Honey, Jawbreakers, Lemonheads and Now & Laters.

1990's Candies include: Airheads, Appleheads, Baby Bottle pop, Blow Pop, Caramel Apple Pop, Fun Dip, Mega Double Lollie, Mini Pop Rocks, Push Pops, Ring Pop, Sour Punch Twists, Warheads 1oz. Bag, Atomic Fireball, Bazooka, Candy Necklace, Cry Baby Gum, Lemonheads, Jolly Ranchers, and Now & Laters.

Retro Tin Tote has collapsible plastic handle and metal latch closure. Measures 9" x 3.5" x 7.5" "

Day 24: Who wouldn't want to be caught in a web of candy?!

Day 23: Treat FREE CANDY!

Now through October 31, mention this post in our Hesperia, CA store to receive a piece of FREE CANDY!

Day 22: I always feel like, somebody's watching meeee!

Imagine opening the refrigerator, looking for a snack and having your food looking back at you!  We thought it was a funny trick!

CandyCrate.com is the One-Stop Shop for your Halloween Candy Needs!

It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing colors, the days are getting colder and everywhere you look there is a new pumpkin-flavored food!  It is October, and Halloween is rapidly approaching.  Will you be ready?  Minimize the hassle and fulfill all of your Halloween candy needs at CandyCrate.com. 

CandyCrate.com has a huge selection of candy, and with orders shipped out the same day as purchased they will be on your doorstep before you can yell “Boo!”  Additionally, with hard-to-beat sales like bulk Retro Candy by the pound you will be hard pressed to find a better deal. 

CandyCrate.com is the perfect place to shop, even if you are not sure exactly what you are looking for.  Organized by sweeping categories, it is easy to find what you want. You can organize the website by the candy color, decade, type, amount and even alphabetically!  They also supply candy in a variety of sizes, including miniature, full-size and in bulk.   

If you are looking for retro candy to pair with your decade-themed costume, CandyCrate.com is the place to look.  With candy organized from the 1940’s through today it is easy to find the popular treats from the decade of your choice.  You can even find long-forgotten favorites like Candy Buttons, JuJubes, Teaberry Gum, Fizzies and Zots!

If you cannot decide which retro candy is right for you, there is no need to! Just pick your favorite decade and receive a pre-made gift box filled with the best hard-to-find goodies of that age.  For the true historians, the one-of-a-kind Vintage Candy Gift Box stocks candy that was popular from the year 1800 to 1900. Talk about a rare treat!

If you’re looking for something slightly spookier, check out the “Novelty Halloween Candy” section for a selection of ghoulish and ghostly treats.  The Creepy Peepers Peanut Butter Chocolate Eye Balls and Gummi Spiders are just the beginning of the sweet and scary treats offered.  The Fluffy Spider Web Cotton Candy looks as realistic as it is delicious and the Haunted Brew Scary Orange Hot Chocolate comes straight into your cup from it’s very own coffin.

For those who enjoy the classic Halloween snacks, CandyCrate.com offers a variety of different candy corns for every taste and preference. The variety of flavors include Caramel Candy Corn, Mellocreme Pumpkins, Chocolate Caramel Candy Corn and an Autumn Mix variety pack.

Heading to a Halloween party or throwing an office party? Pre-made gift baskets are a fun and fabulous gift for people of any age. The Halloween Pumpkin Candy Gift Box features Chocolate Pumpkin peeps, Eyeball Suckers, Halloween Ghost Dots and more while the Tower of Terror Candy Assortment includes Eyeball Gum, Marshmallow Eyes and Ghoulish Taffy… yum!

When it comes to Halloween candy, CandyCrate.com knows best. With an enormous assortment of options, fast shipping, excellent customer services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, CandyCrate.com is the place to be.  For whatever you need this Halloween season, CandyCrate.com has got you covered. 

Day 21: Happy Birthday Nicole :)

 Meet Nicole, our super sweet and hardworking office manager! It wasn't her birthday on 10/21 but we pretended like we thought it was! Is this a #trick or a #treat?

Day 20: Treat yourself to a super cute mani!

Like these super cute Halloween themed ones!