It's the most wonderful time of the year: candy cane time! Photography by Jeff Coulson/TC Media Yes, I know, not everyone loves peppermint. But I do. And I come by it honestly. Ask my mom for a peppermint candy any day of the year, and I promise you'll be rewarded with one that's been waiting patiently for you in her purse. I'd bet my next paycheque on that, actually. It's such a running joke in our family that I actually made Mom a Christmas stocking with swirly peppermint candy fabric. As far as my taste buds are concerned, candy canes should only come in peppermint. I've been fooled on a number of occasions by tempting green-and-white ones (spearmint), dark-and-light-green ones (green apple—yeccccch) and dark-and-light red ones (a flavour akin to Robitussin in the berry/cherry family—double yecccch). I prefer the good old-fashioned red-and-white ones, thank you very much. So to honour this magical time of year, here are a few of the best Canadian Living candy cane/peppermint recipes. I guarantee they'll hit all the right notes for the peppermint lovers on your homemade goodies list. • Candy Cane Brownies • Mini Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes • Two-Tone Peppermint Bark • Candy Cane Cheesecake • Candy Cane Kisses Plus, here's a bonus slideshow of four more must-make peppermint treats. Happy holidays indeed!