Morgan's Maple Syrup

Morgan took quite an interest in making syrup this year.  His little mind was thinking and planning while we were talking and tasting.  He found himself a hammer and a nail.  He told "Uncle Paul" that he needed one of the pails sitting there being used.  Paul very kindly listened to Morgan as he explained his need of Paul's pail.  Morgan was going to tap a tree with his nail and hammer; he needed the pail to catch the sap.

With Paul's permission, Luke picked up a couple of spiles and metal buckets as we left the sugar bush. At home, a maple tree in the backyard was tapped.

Morgan - so proud!

Morgan's project became a family project.  We only had a few days when the sap ran, but it was enough to fill my freezer up with various sized blocks of sap.  It gave us time to wait for a beautiful day to boil the sap and for Luke to find something to boil the sap on.

Luke tending the fire

James and Morgan taking a turn

James on his tricycle

                  Time to play!

Morgan in the old, little sandbox

The big boys often help Evan over the rough spots

And take a little walk...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even Nicholas had a dry place to sit

The syrup made was deliciously enjoyed with fresh baked biscuits and over pancakes.  Yummy!

After the whole experience, Morgan said he wants to drive a school bus when he grows up so he can make maple syrup too.  "Like Uncle Paul."

Maple Syrup

The Sugar Shack

We all love pure Ontario Maple Syrup made by our good friend Paul Mader.  We like pancakes, french toast, fresh biscuits and even oatmeal or cornmeal cereal covered in maple syrup.  The most requested meal in this house is pancakes - breakfast, lunch or supper.

In April we put on our boots and set out for our annual trek through the Mader's Sugar Bush.  (Yes, I realize it is June and I am only now posting this, but sometimes my intentions are better than my follow-through.)

 It's become an event we all look forward to and talk about for a weeks before the trees are even tapped.  This year we invited our friends, the Smith's, to join us.

The sap pan when we got there, not yet boiling.

 First we checked out the operation - we explain each year how the Maple trees are tapped to collect their sap which is then put in the big pan and boiled over a hot fire until it becomes Maple Syrup.

James and Morgan helping to add firewood.

Next we set our for our tromp through the woods. 

Marion, Morgan, Luke and James

Marion and Evan

Mommy and Nicholas - notice the turkey feather in my hand

Porcupines at work

When we returned to the Sugar Shack, Paul had begun straining the syrup.  We had a delicious taste of fresh maple syrup and some maple sugar too.  It was yummy and oh so sweet!