Crush a package of red spiral peppermints between sheets of waxed paper with a rolling pin. (You can also crush candy canes.) Keep them in an airtight jar.

Then, use them to apply a bit of holiday flavor to ice cream, the rims of hot chocolate mugs, cake and cupcake icing, vanilla yogurt…whatever strikes your fancy.

It’s as if the Good Peppermint Fairy touched her wand to make things a bit more special!

• See many more garnish ideas.

Crack me, crush me and use me for decor.
Photo by Jeffrey Collingwood | SXC.