UpNorthica

This a very simple dessert, well-suited for winter camping. It also happens to have been a classic treat of maple syrup shacks, since the days they invented trees. In short, pure maple syrup is boiled until it becomes molten hot, then drizzled over a bowlful of fresh snow. The result is a wonderful taffy-like candy lace over the snow, much the consistency of those homemade Christmas caramels that go around on the Holidays. You’re supposed to pick it from the snow with a fork, but you won’t for long. One taste and it’s all hand-over-fist feeding frenzy. This stuff will turn you into a mapley crack fiend and you will kick in the nose of anyone who tries to get a pinch of yours.

Full recipe after the click.

Sugar On Snow

Traditionally, the dish is served with a dill pickle on the side, to counterbalance the sweetness. I’ve left it out, but it’s not as bad as it sounds.

8-oz bottle of pure Grade A maple syrup (not artificial, which won’t work)

large pot

several inches of fresh snowfall, or a clean snowbank

Pour all the syrup into the large pot. Place over heat and bring to a boil. Continue at a low boil for about 12 minutes, gently stirring often. Be very watchful, as the syrup may easily boil over. When cooking over a fire, this will be trickier; you’ve been warned. After 12 minutes, fill a serving bowl with snow. Take 1-2 tablespoons of syrup and drizzle over snow to test consistency. If it’s thick enough, the syrup will sink only a little into the snow before hardening (if not, it will simply soak into the snow — boil 2-3 minutes longer if necessary.) Remove from heat. Have everyone else fill their bowls with snow and drizzle over the bowls.

Serves 4.