TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Lofty Pursuits in Tallahassee is one of the few candy shops in the U.S. that still makes candy canes by hand. Owners Greg Cohen and Uri Gottschalk use century-old techniques and equipment to produce seasonal batches, each totaling around 300 canes at a time.

Put candy in plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Melt chocolate. Dip spoons into chocolate to fill. Let excess drip off. Sprinkle with crushed candy. Place on waxed paper-covered cookie sheet to cool. Wrap with cellophane and tie with ribbons for gifts.

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to mean elaborate menus or perfectly set tables. Sometimes, the most memorable dishes are the ones that invite people to slow down, get their hands messy, and play with their food a little.

Until now, I thought hiring professionals to string Christmas lights was all about convenience and saving yourself the time and risk of being up on the roof. But a recent DIY attempt has shown me the (literal) light.