Stir together flour, salt and baking powder.

In mixer bowl beat butter (or margarine) for 30 seconds.

Add sugar and beat till fluffy.

Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract; beat well.

Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture and beat till well blended.

Divide dough in half.

Stir coconut into one half; stir red food coloring into remaining dough.

Cover and chill about 30 minutes.

Divide each portion of dough into 30 balls; keep half the balls of each portion chilled till ready to use.

With hands, roll each ball into a 5-inch long rope. For each cane, pinch together one end of a white rope and one end of a red rope; twist together.

Pinch ropes together at remaining end. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve one end to form a cane.

Bake in 375 degree oven about 10 minutes or till done.

Cool about 2 minutes before removing to wire rack.

Cool thoroughly.