Simpler Living Blog

Wax on Snow: The Sticky and Sweet Treat

Lehman's
0 Comments

My mother grew up in upstate New York, where feet of snow in the winter was the norm. Her family also owned a sugar bush, where they made maple syrup. Galen Lehman, my brother, says, “Nearly 100 years ago, my grandpa bought the farm where the trees that provide our syrup grow. My family has been tapping those trees ever since. I didn’t help this year, but I have personally tapped the very trees this syrup came from. There’s nothing in the can but maple syrup. (Compare that to the ingredients list on your pancake syrup.) And the taste will knock your socks off!”

Wax on Snow: The Sticky and Sweet Treat

Author: Lehman's

Ingredients

Pure maple syrup
Clean, hard-packed snow

Directions

Heat maple syrup to 235°F, stirring and watching carefully as it boils.
Keep heat at a steady medium level, since the boiling will speed up as water evaporates.
If the syrup begins to climb or foam too much, reduce the heat and optionally rub a thin layer of butter around the inside rim of the pot to help control bubbling.
Test the syrup by drizzling a small amount onto clean snow to check readiness.
Once it reaches the correct temperature and consistency, slowly drizzle the hot syrup over clean, hard-packed snow.
Let it cool briefly, then wrap or twirl the sticky syrup using a fork to enjoy.
Avoid using snow that is dirty or contaminated.
Do not leave the boiling syrup unattended, as it can burn quickly.
After finishing, fill the pot with water and simmer for 2–3 minutes to dissolve leftover syrup for easier cleanup.