GREGG TOWNSHIP -- Sweet treats are a big part of the holiday season, and perhaps no candy says Christmas quite like a candy cane.
One candy store in Union County knows bigger is better. Purity Candy is ringing in the holidays by making an 8 foot, 35 pound candy cane.
Candy canes come in all different flavors and sizes and Purity Candy on Route 15 near Allenwood makes thousands of candy canes each year by hand. But none of those sweet treats compares to this.
"I think people like big things. I think they like to see the biggest," John Burfeindt said.
"Big" is an understatement! Purity Candy President John Burfeindt spent the afternoon making an 8 foot, 35 pound candy cane. The sweet treat will hang on the wall at Purity Candy for customers to admire. So, what exactly goes in to making a 35 pound candy cane?
"Poured it out, it was 320 degrees, 38 pounds of sugar and water. Cooled it a little bit, pulled it over the taffy hook," Burfeindt said.
He added red and green color and peppermint oil. When he pulled it over the taffy hook, the candy cane turned white. He and his helpers twisted and rolled it.
Burfeindt said the most nerve-racking part of making a 35 pound candy cane is bending it because the temperature has to be just right.
"It's amazing. I don't think people realize what an effort it is to make one this size, and keep the temperature so you can manipulate it," Arlene Zeiber of Purity Candy said.
The process took about an hour. Burfeindt said the candy cane will last for one or two years.
"How long would it take someone to eat this? I don't know what the daily recommended allowance is of that, but a long time," Burfeindt said.
If you would like to see how candy canes are made and try one for yourself, stop by Purity Candy this Saturday between 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for a demonstration.