Less than two weeks ago we drove for three hours through a blizzard that was a little unnerving...One week ago we watched people skating on our city's river...and within three days the river was all broken up...and today's weather like a blustery summer day.
What an interesting winter.
Well, here tapping trees is rare, because our Manitoba Maples that require about twice the amount of sap that regular Maples need to make that sweet maple syrup. Growing up in south-eastern Ontario we did tap Maples...I loved coming home after school to the maple smell steaming on the stove top.
A few weeks ago we had a couple of days where the snow fell soft and thick hour after hour. Remembering "Little House in the Big Woods"' sugar snow, we carefully collected some fluffy clean snow. Without the luxury of local maple syrup, we buy our 1 liters at the local supermarket. So we simmered maple syrup on the stove top with the bucket of fresh snow nearby.
Just like Laura's Grandma, we continued to try spooning it over a small bowl of fresh snow...as the syrup simmered....until it laced like a toffee. The children loved it....of course what child does like candy.
What an interesting winter.
Well, here tapping trees is rare, because our Manitoba Maples that require about twice the amount of sap that regular Maples need to make that sweet maple syrup. Growing up in south-eastern Ontario we did tap Maples...I loved coming home after school to the maple smell steaming on the stove top.
A few weeks ago we had a couple of days where the snow fell soft and thick hour after hour. Remembering "Little House in the Big Woods"' sugar snow, we carefully collected some fluffy clean snow. Without the luxury of local maple syrup, we buy our 1 liters at the local supermarket. So we simmered maple syrup on the stove top with the bucket of fresh snow nearby.
Just like Laura's Grandma, we continued to try spooning it over a small bowl of fresh snow...as the syrup simmered....until it laced like a toffee. The children loved it....of course what child does like candy.
As soon as I saw that bowl of snow, I knew exactly what you were going to write about! I LOVE when you do little house stuff. We so love little house here! Too bad we have no snow to try this with. :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking - if we really wanted to do a similar activity in summer - over ice would probably work too!
DeleteSuch a delightful treat (always wanted to try that!). Welcome spring!
ReplyDeleteWell when you have that baby, and I bring you a meal - perhaps I should aim for that desert...well it'd probably look more like slush by the time you it got to you ;)
DeleteHi PJ,
ReplyDeleteI was planning to tap trees this spring but the weather has foiled my plans. I did tap the one maple in our front yard as a test, but nothing has come of it. At least I'm ready for next year... maybe.
I like your Little House follow on activities. Sadly, we finished the last Little House book almost a year ago now, but we look forward to reading them again in a few years time, with fresh eyes.
See you soon, I hope!
Tammy
Wow Tammy! well if you need some extra spigots I have some...look forward to sampling some!
DeleteYou can buy Manitoba Maple syrup at eatit.ca on Wall Street! My kIds prefer it because it is less sweet.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted you last week sometime about your products but got no answer ... talk to me!
Hadass, tweeting you back - my twitter account is totally out of hand! I have left it a little abandoned and it overgrew...I've got to do some trimming.
DeleteI will definitely try MB maple syrup at eatit. Thanks!
We just finished making our maple syrup for the year. Wish you were closer--I'd give you some! Now we're digging leeks. I have no idea if leeks grow there or not, but we use them for making dip, and then we dry them to use for cooking spice all year long. It sure has been an odd winter here, too! It's been 70 degrees here in PA! (Not that I'm complaining!) I like the fact that you also do things like this with your kids. I sure wish we lived closer to each other!
ReplyDeleteDigging up leeks! That sounds fascinating. Wondering, are they wild or did you plant them? Yes, if I did live closer, I should would take you up on the off of some fresh maple syrup! Thanks, Thanks! Sustainable, do-it-yourself activities are so rewarding!
DeleteThe leeks we dig grow wild in the woods. They usually start growing in March. The smaller they are, the hotter they are. We're going to get some more this weekend, hopefully. I know you can buy them at the store, but they are nothing like wild ones.
DeleteI was also going to mention eatit for the manitoba maple syrup :)
ReplyDeleteI want some snow just to make some of that. YUMMY.
ReplyDelete