Krampus Kandy. What it is and how to make it.

If you haven't heard of Krampus he is the opposite of Santa. Krampus is a horned figure described as half-goat, half-demon. Krampus travels about Germany with St Nicholas who rewards the good children with presents and sweets while Krampus punishes the bad children. Some legends say he will eat the children after tormenting them for being bad.

"Krampus’ roots date back to pre-Germanic paganism. His name originates with the German krampen, which means “claw,” and tradition has it that he is the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Hel. The Catholic Church attempted to banish Krampus celebrations because of his resemblance to the devil, but it didn't work. The Krampus legend prevails as a much-feared and beloved holiday force." This information was found in an article by Jennifer Billock for the SMITHSONIAN dated Dec 4 2015.

At my house we welcome Krampus. We put out candy that is just like him. It bites back. A few kids like it but it is more of an adult treat. This is my original recipe and I am sharing it with all of you.

Krampus Kandy

1 pkg of chocolate almond bark
1 bar of unsweetened dark baking chocolate
3 to 4 cups of cranraisins
Chili powder. Mild or hot as prefered. An estimate would be 1 cup. Any extra chili could be used to make other things.
Paper candy cups for assembling the the candies.

Melt the almond bark and the dark chololate slowly in a double boiler until well blended. Be very careful so no water gets into the chocolate as it will make it seize up and be unusable. Put enough of the cranraisins in the paper cups to fill them 1/3 to 1/2 full. The number of candies depends on the size of the paper cups and how full they are filled with the cranraisins. Do not flatten them. Keep them heaped to make the candy random shapes. Carefully spoon the chocolate mixture over the cranraisins to cover. Sprinkle the chili powder over the top so the chocolate barely shows through. Let the candy sit until it is firm to the touch.

Any kind of you favorite chili powder will work. Just read the ingredients to avoid some of the extra cheap ones that have a lot of salt. My favorite kind has habanero pepper and it gives a nice kick to the back of your throat as you eat the candy. The flavors meld together and gets milder as the chocolate mixes with the chili powder along with the tangy sweet of the cranraisins adding the final pop of flavor. As an option just plain dry ground chilies can be used. I have a friend who requests a mix with ghost pepper. Unless you are used to the powdered version of a flame thrower I would avoid using powdered ghost pepper. It will only take a small fleck of it landing on your lips, nose or even in your eye to send you screaming for help and pouring milk on the spot trying to burn through your body. Trust me. I know this from experience. There is a reason people who handle the stuff wear 2 layers of gloves masks or even wear gas masks.

This candy keeps for a couple of weeks in a container that is not sealed. It rarely lasts that long. I always ask the person who is about to eat the candy if they like hot spicy stuff. This will help avoid problems for the weak and faint of heart and tastebuds.

I hope you have a great holiday and the Krampus Kandy keeps you on the good list.