A candy necklace is a necklace made by stringing candies onto a ribbon, piece of elastic, or thick thread. In theory, someone could both wear and eat the necklace, nibbling off interesting bits until all that was left behind was the core of the necklace. Many candy stores sell candy necklaces with a wide variety of candies attached, and it is also possible to make them at home. At Halloween, the candy necklace is often on offer in candy bowls.
Commonly, the candies used in a candy necklace are relatively dry and shelf stable, ensuring that they will not melt onto the body and clothing of the wearer as the necklace is worn. Paste candies like Necco wafers are common choices. It is also, of course, possible to use other sorts of candy in a candy necklace, like peppermints, gumdrops, and so forth, although you do run the risk of creating quite a mess.
When candy necklaces are produced commercially, they are often strung onto elastic to help reduce the risk of choking, as the necklace will expand or break before it actually chokes someone. The necklace is strung with candies which have been molded into rings or other easily strung shapes, and then individually packaged for sanitary reasons and to make the necklace easier to handle during the shipping process. The recipient of the necklace may unpackage it and wear it or simply eat it, depending on personal tastes.
If you want to make a candy necklace at home, you will need something to string the candy on, such as ribbon or string, along with a large needle, and an assortment of candy. Many people use oversized plastic needles to make candy necklaces because it is difficult to injure yourself on such a needle. Some good choices of candies might include candies which already have holes in them, or naturally dry candies. Gumdrops and so forth can be used, but you may want to stay away from chocolate, as it will melt quickly.
Some people even include things like cookies on their candy necklaces, or use a string of licorice as a string. In any case, the candies can be strung onto the necklace in whatever order or pattern desired, and then the necklace can be worn or given away. If you make a candy necklace with particularly gooey, sticky candies, you may want to skip the wearing stage.
If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can make a candy necklace which is not designed to be worn at all, using chocolate, paste candies, and pulled sugar to make a delicate and elegant creation which will probably be greatly enjoyed by the recipient.
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.