But does it really work? And how can you use it for a fun Halloween game?
Come find out...
A few days ago, I was on Facebook and a shocking post came across my screen.
Candy Corn stacked up in the shape of an ear of corn, with the tag line, "How old were you when you realized it's called candy corn because if you stack it up, it looks like corn?"
Um. WHAT???
My answer was Today...I realized this today.
And I was not alone.
The majority of commenters had the same response.
It was truly shocking in a silly, how could I have never realized this, it's so obvious, kind of way.
I immediately shared the post to my own Exquisitely Unremarkable Facebook page where the astonishment continued...and frankly continues since this seems to be news to almost everyone.
I spent years in primary classrooms as both student and teacher.
We crafted and cooked and counted candy corn in every way imaginable. I went to camp and was a counselor, I ran PTA craft committees...I mean, you name it, I did it.
How is it possible that this never came up?? How did this basic knowledge about an iconic fall candy escape me for so long??
But even more important, what I really wanted to know was where was the candy corn I bought last week, so I could try stacking candy corn on the cob immediately??
Well, they were right in the kitchen where I left them, but clearly we didn't have enough.
Now, as a mom, with a messy house and a few freelance pieces due, I had much better things to do with my day, but off I went to gather my supplies...which honestly was not an easy task on the day before Halloween.
I had to go to three different drug stores and a grocery store to track down two tiny packages of candy corn.
Apparently, it's sold out and backordered right now! Candy corn? Backordered?
Really? Go figure.
I should've given up after one shop, but I was on a mission. Chalk it up to research.
Thankfully, the vanilla frosting was much easier to obtain.
How To Stack Candy Corn
I knew that working with frosting was going to be a messy job, so I separated my supplies into two bowls and grabbed a small cheese spreader...which I didn't end up using after all.
My fingers were a much better option for this job.
Right off the bat, this was harder than it looked.
Candy corn, at least the pieces in my bags, are not uniform in size and many of the pieces were broken.
I had to sift though the bunch to find acceptable kernels.
Next, as suspected, there is no way to stack these little suckers without some kind of "glue". They are super slippery and hard to keep in place.
When you touch one they all move and if you try to build with them, they slide toward the middle.
Royal icing probably would be best, because it dries rock hard, but it's not great for eating. It also takes forever to dry and I'm not a patient crafter.
Plus, you have to make it and that's not something I was willing to do.
So for a little over a buck I grabbed white frosting from one of the four stores I was in, popped it open, dipped each tip of candy corn into it and gently put it in place.
You can see the details in the super quick video.
So far, not very easy, but doable and my results were shaping up quite nicely. Three rows in and I had the beginnings of a beautiful ear of corn.
Proof that stacking candy corn did indeed look like an ear of corn. (Even if it really never was a thing... 😉)
Unfortunately, that's where I lose my happy ending to this candy craft.
Once I hit row four, it became very clear that without a stable center support, the slanted angle of the candy was too much for a stable structure.
The tips wanted to point down, even with extra frosting to fill the gaps and prop them up. Eventually, by row five, I had a small dome of corn rather than an ear.
And that was the end of this experiment folks.
I have to say, it was a silly distraction on Halloween Eve and the whole family got in on it somehow...whether they were sideline architects, interested observers or simply taste testers.
So what are my take aways?
Well, number one, I'm still in awe of the fact I never knew this. Although, I doubt this was ever really a thing. I think it was an internet fancy that went a little crazy.
Number two. Did it work? Sort of.
Would I encourage you to rush out and make them as holiday treats for either Halloween or Thanksgiving. Probably not. They're a lot of work and don't really look like ears of corn after the first few rows.
I'm sure there must be recipes out there with cake or chocolate as center forms, to make prettier ears...but this way, no.
Turn It Into A Party Game
However. As a mom, a former primary school teacher and Girl Scout leader, I would highly recommend this as a party game for your holiday guests.
It's sure to provide a lot of laughs.
Divide the your guests into groups, hand out the goodies, set a timer and tell them to have at it. Tallest tower or best looking ear, etc., whatever you decide, wins!!
The only thing I don't recommend is eating it. Way too much sugar.
Oh and don't wait until the day before Halloween to buy your candy.
Backordered? Really??
Candy corn is just full of surprises lately.
SO you know I have to ask. When did you realize this?
I never knew it either! However I have to hand it to you for giving it a try... too bad it didn't work better.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun experiment, Susan! I'm not a huge Halloween fan, but it did add a little holiday cheer to the night!
DeleteHa, I saw the same thing. Never in a million years would I have put 2plus2 together. Great attempt at trying though.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Sharon...and I'm not sure this is actually a really thing based on fact, but it was fun to try!
DeleteLOL! I never knew that either. I love candy corn. It is addictive to me. That is why I never buy it. Fun post!
ReplyDeleteIt's way too sweet for me to eat too much...which I always end up doing!!
DeleteWell look! You made a "corn flower"!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you . . . this is news to me . . . and I love your idea of using it as a party game :o)
Ha! Kathy that is what the kids said! I'm not sure this is what the original candy makers ever intended, but it was fun to try!
DeleteHere is my take. This never was a thing. I think someone clever cooked this up just recently and fooled all of us into thinking it was a thing from way back. I saw the facebook post too but didn't look at any comments. Did anyone admit to a long ago knowledge of this? Fun post. Look forward to reading the comments.
ReplyDeleteLorri, I'm with you 100%. I actually researched it before I tried it and nowhere does it say anything about this. The candy was simply made it tins to resemble corn kernels, but I can't find any evidence of them being made that way in order to build an ear! I think someone had fun trying it out and gave us all something to fuss about. 😉
DeleteI have used candy corn "cob" building for years as a STEM challenge for kiddos. With little ones I sometimes give them an empty toilet paper roll to use as the center. Side information: Candy corn was originally called Chicken Feed because at the time it was put into production probably half the work force was farm related.
DeleteVery interesting, Ms. Martinez! I love when people share and add to the story. I think it's great that there's still room for this kind of learning in the classroom, it's what we used to do years ago. Sadly in my neck of the woods, there's so much pressure and time spent on common core that a lot of this hands on style education has gone out the window.
DeleteNope didn't realize this!!! Funny post and I got some good guffaws out of it! It's Halloween Eve day and I am NOT rushing out to buy candy corn! As you said, it's probably all gone anyway! Marilyn
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and funny, Marilyn. I'm glad I could make you smile...that's always the goal! 😊
DeleteHa!!
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I needed candy corn for a blessing mix I was making for Thanksgiving. And I had to go to 5 stores and I finally found one last lonely bag of candy corn!! Thank Goodness, or my blessing mix would not have been the same.
We could find plenty of the maple and brown sugar candy corn...it was several shades of brown. What?!? Um no thank you!!
DeleteToday as I read your post. DUH.
ReplyDeleteI know...I think a lot of us had that same reaction!
DeleteI never heard of that and I go back a long way with candy corn. But I love your determination to see if it works and I think you do have a great party game idea. I just had another thought. Am I the only one who thinks candy corn doesn't taste as good as it used to? I remember Mama taking us downtown to Nashville and letting my little sisters and I buy a little paper bag each of candy corn. I remember the sales lady scooping it up out of the big glass case and pouring it into a pretty bag and folding the end over and scotch taping it closed. That was the best candy corn! It just doesn't taste that good anymore.
ReplyDeleteJust remembered I forgot to click on the video, I'll do that now.
Happy Halloween, Kim,
Dewena
Dewena, I'm not sure it was ever a real thing. I think it's a social media phenomenon and people are running with it. I'm a researcher and I couldn't find a stitch of evidence to support it. But it was fun...and yes, I totally agree, it doesn't taste the same unless you go to a candy shop or pay up for it. I'm no longer a fan...
DeleteHi... I knew it looked like little kernels, but I spent some summers near cornfields. I did not know that people would try to stack it to make a cob! LOL ! But I've had my share of Pinterest fails. The candy doesn't taste as great unless you buy a brand made in the United States in smaller batches. The main manufacturers' taste waxy and gross. In fact, read all your candy to see where it is made. There are certain countries that make nice candy and some that don't. Furthermore, if it says distributed by some some company in the U.S., it likely didn't come from here. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Su. Unless you go to a small candy store, it all tastes terrible. I always check the packages on seasonal candies or I got to the little shop up the street. It's totally worth it. xoxo
DeleteWOW who knew. Obviously alot of us. Happy Halloween
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun experiment!
DeleteI saw this on Facebook too, but wondered how it would actually work. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's fun to do something totally frivolous!
DeleteI saw that on FB too and never knew that before. I like your effort and you're right, it would be a fun party game.
ReplyDeleteWe had a lot of laughs trying this one out!
DeleteSo, if you want to actually MAKE a corn cob, royal icing is the way to go... 4 rows, let it harden, r more rows, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea about the game!
Yes, I agree, Nancy. I have lots of experience with it from my gingerbread making kindergarten days...I don't have fond memories! 😉
DeleteI have a better solution for candy corn...make butterfinger candy. It's only 3 total ingredients. Check out Pinterest for the instructions.
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out, Doris! Thanks!!
DeleteI don't believe everything I read. think it's a Facebook fallacy meant to cause ruckus! Someone is probably laughing right now at all the failed DIY experiments - lol. Anyway, I always thought it was called candy corn because it looks like niblets (cue the 'Green Giant' music in my head :) If you ever want to try it again, try cookie dough (eggless if you don't want to eat raw egg). Roll it into a tube to act as a core and stick it halfway in; it should hold its shape.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Sara. Before I tried this, I investigated the history of Candy Corn online and there was no mention of this anywhere. You are right, it absolutely was made in corn kernel pans, so that part was intentional...But it was a super fun distraction on a rainy October evening. And thanks for the tip...we may try it!
DeleteNews to me also! I admire your effort...I don't think I would have had the patience for even row 1! Hope you had a great Halloween! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt was way more fun than laundry!! xoxox
DeleteCandy corn was first made In The late 1800’s. It was called “ cream candy” and was made to look like chicken feed. More than 35 million pounds are made every year, enough to circle the moon almost 4 times.
ReplyDeleteI investigated this, too, Chris and yes, that's what I found. There's no evidence of it being made so an actual ear could be constructed, but it was a fun way to spend an evening. Thanks for the information!!
DeleteWhoever came up with this just likes to see people tortured lol I knew they were made to look like corn kernels, but never thought about making a cob with them. Add cocktails to that party and video tape and I'll be happy to sit back an watch ;)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
rue
I investigated it, Rue and of course, there's no evidence that this was the intention way back when when this candy was conceived, but as I said to Benita, it was a much better way to spend an evening that vacuuming! Ha!
DeleteKim, you are just full of little (or big) bits of info. This is something I did not know as candy corn has never been a part of my adgenda. Wierd, I know, but I have never liked the taste, one is not enough to put in my mouth and more than that just tastes like a big ball of wax. Therefore, I never have bought candy corn let alone took notice if it looked like an ear of corn. Now, if you gave me a real ear of corn I would eat it all up! Sounds like a lot of work, but if I could put a wick in it, it probably would make a great Halloween candle with all that wax!!. Now, if you figure that one out I might be interested!!!xxoxo Hope you had a Happy Halloween..Judy
ReplyDeleteI'm a much bigger fan of real corn, too, Judy!! This was a fun experiment with the kids but I agree...a candle would be divine. Hmmm....
DeleteNews to me too. I just love to eat them since they are only around once a year! I actually saw red, green and white "candy corn" today called reindeer corn. I am impressed on your research methods!
ReplyDeleteAnnMarie, I actually dove into the internet before I tried it and found out that it probably wasn't a real thing...but it was an entertaining experiment and a sweet treat!
DeleteStill blown away that candy corn stacks! And equally blown away that it was on backorder...maybe due to the FB post there was a rush to purchase candy corn and prove it as fact or myth? I really like your idea for making this a party game! It would be fun!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a myth Audra after my own internet research...which you know is always reliable! 😉 It really would be a fun game though...kind of like edible Jenga!
DeleteLOL Kim, only you would go out and test the theory. But I'm so glad you did, coz I sure as dammit didn't know that either.
ReplyDeleteIt was a super fun experiment, Michelle...and tasty, too!!
DeleteI never really thought about it looking like corn on the cob. Hope you had a nice Halloween.
ReplyDeleteMe neither, Julie!!
DeleteOh we'd never be able to complete that at our house either. We'd be eating as we attempted to build.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, we bought candy corn twice and then a few days before Halloween my hubby wanted more. There was none to be found.
It was fun, Stacey...it was like edible Jenga!!
DeleteI saw this for the first time just the other day on facebook!!!! Like you, I was a teacher (now retired), taught GAs at church, taught Bible school, etc. etc. etc. and thought I'd made every craft imaginable. But this was sure news to me! However, you have more patience that me cause I'm just gonna take people's word for it!!! By the way....I hate candy corn!!!!
ReplyDeleteCandy Corn is no longer my favorite either. I used to love it, but I don't think it tastes the same anymore. It was fun to play with it though...
DeleteWell I certainly admire your determination :)
ReplyDeleteHappy November Wishes
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan! It was a fun experiment. We don't get many of those around here now that the kids are big...
DeleteI saw that picture on Facebook too. I wonder if you got a cylinder made from that crunchy foam stuff for flower arranging... and then you could just jam the pointy parts into the foam? Hmm... now I need to try it...
ReplyDeleteI bet that would look great Angel! Now you just have to find the candy corn. It’s still on back order where I am…who knew it was so popular!
DeleteLove it when so many people are looking to solve the same issue. My suggestion for your center roll is fondant. If you roll out your center in fondant then the whole cob is edible. You can also cut the finished cob in half for a top and bottom that shows a white core/cob center. I absolutely love candy corn and only Brach's with the honey in it, never the waxy imitation brands. Thanks for trying. Peace
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, Kim! I've never worked with fondant before, but it could be a really fun experiment. I may have to investigate and give it a shot. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a helpful comment! Peace to you!
Delete