Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 7, 2002 11:31 AM

Imagine Christmas Eve without candy canes or sugarplums. They are just two reasons why sweets are a staple of the holiday season. And there's no better way to appreciate the sugary stuff than to visit Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City. I stumbled upon it during a recent trip and was overwhelmed with its two colorful levels that were packed with enough candy treats. to make Willy Wonka melt in shame.

Aside from the usual chocolate bars and gingerbread houses, Dylan's was outfitted with rows upon rows of gorgeous candy trees in all shapes and sizes.

After my initial gasp of delight, I couldn't help but take a closer peek. And like all curious crafters, I quickly analyzed the structure - via a nonchalant eye scan. Here is my home-made version, but for the real thing, visit Dylan's Web site at dylanscandybar.com and order one pre-made.
Candy Christmas Tree
Supplies:
Gold-colored and other assorted acrylic paints and paint brush
Ribbon and hot glue gun
1 foam topiary tree, 18 inches tall
Newspaper
1 6-inch flowerpot
2 large bags of wrapped candies with sealed edges
1 box of straight pins
Toothpick
Wood, cardboard or papier-mâché star
Directions: Paint the flowerpot in desired colors and trim the lip with ribbon, using the hot glue. Crumple half a sheet of newspaper and place it at the bottom of the flowerpot. Paint the topiary gold or other preferred color.

When dry, insert it into the pot until it fits snuggly. Begin attaching the candies in rows around the bottom of the tree by poking a pin through the wrapper's edge and pressing it into the foam. Continue to fill the tree working in rows from the bottom up. Fill the base of the tree with candy in the same manner. Paint and decorate the star, adhere the toothpick with glue, and attach to the top of the tree.

Variations: Use other candies, such as peppermint twists or toffees. Instead of a flowerpot, use coffee cups or other types of containers. To give as a gift, wrap the tree in cellophane and add a bow.


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Labels: food crafts, holiday, inside