So, let’s talk maple syrup.
Are you a fan?
For years, I didn’t think much of the amber colored sweetener. Sure, I learned in school that the sugar maple is Wisconsin’s state tree, but despite the fact that it’s sweet and sugary, I probably wouldn’t have named maple syrup among my favorite foods. It was something I ate on my pancakes in the morning, and occasionally drizzled over the top of vanilla ice cream. It wasn’t until much later, when I realized that maple syrup is actually a fairly rare commodity in some places, that I really started paying attention.
I’m no expert on maple sugaring. That said, I do know that the weather we’ve been having lately is actually pretty perfect for tapping maple trees. Maple sap starts running when the weather is above freezing during the day and below freezing at night — so conditions couldn’t be more perfect. Probably why March 15-April 15th has been declared “Maple Syrup Month” in Wisconsin.
A friend of my grandparents tapped maple trees on their property when I was child, so I’ve seen the process in action. I remember walking through the woods and poking my fingers into the buckets hanging on the trees and tasting the flavor of that pure, clear syrup. And I’ll admit that, as an adult, it’s occasionally crossed my mind that it might be a fun project to tap a few trees out on my parents’ property and see if I could make a little syrup of my own. But, despite the fact that there are really cool sugaring kits available to get us started , that idea has never really gotten past the contemplation stage.
Nonetheless, when I see other people getting excited about sugaring season, I pay attention.
Wisconsin maple producers rank 4th in national maple syrup production. And Steven Anderson, a maple sugarer in northern Wisconsin (whose work was featured recently in Saveur Magazine) has decided that it’s high time someone recognized Wisconsin for its maple syrup production. So he’s launched a maple tree adoption program to rally support for his craft.
Adopt A Maple is a year-long opportunity for maple syrup lovers to connect with a real, live Sugar Maple tree in the Northwoods sugarbush of Anderson’s Maple Syrup in Cumberland, WI. Adoptees get an official certificate of adoption, and they have year-round visiting rights. In addition, part of their donation goes to support American Forests, a group that helps to plant trees to restore areas damaged by wildfire. Even cooler than that, some 7th and 8th grade science students in Cumberland are plotting out the GPS coordinates and uploading photos of the trees so that people can view their adoptive maples through Google Earth. Pretty fun. If you’re curious, check out the details at www.andersonsmaplesyrup.com .
Of course, adoption isn’t for everyone. And you might be inspired to celebrate your love for maple syrup in another way. How about making one of these delicious recipes?
Maple Oatmeal Cookies with White Chocolate & Cranberries
Maple Brined Turkey
Vanilla Maple Rhubarb with Raspberries
Or maybe you’d prefer to attend one of these events, sponsored by the Riveredge Nature Center.
Maple Sugarin’ Open House
Riveredge Nature Center
Saturday, March 26, 10am-3pm
Riveredge’s Open House will take you back in time, showing through live demonstrations how the settlers during The Little House in the Big Woods era made maple syrup. There will be plenty of hands-on activities for all ages. Experience life at a settler’s camp, stir the syrup cooking over an open fire, participate in pioneer crafts and games and much more. When you reach the evaporator, you’ll see how sap becomes syrup and enjoy our famous pancakes (made with Organic ingredients from Outpost Natural Foods) and Riveredge’s own maple syrup. In addition, coffee will be available from Alterra Coffee Roasters. Pre-registration is suggested for groups. Fee: Adult $10, 10 & under $5; Members: Adult $5, 10 & under $4
Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast
Riveredge Nature Center
Sunday, April 3, 2011, 9am-1pm
This unique breakfast features Riveredge’s special pancakes and 100% real maple syrup. Surronded by the sights and smells of the Sugar Inn, this is one breakfast you won’t soon forget. This meal is served outside, so dress for the weather. Don’t forget to purchase some pancake mix and maple syrup to enjoy at home. Fee: Adult $12, 12 & Under $8; Members: Adult $10, 12 & Under $6
MORE INFO:
Riveredge Nature Center
4458 West Hawthorne Drive
Newburg, Wisconsin 53060, USA
phone: (262) 375-2715
email: info@riveredge.us
