Maple sugar is one of the most celebrated creations in the culinary world that’s why annual festivals are held to honor this historic treat. There are a number of festivals all over the United States as well as in Canada, where there are plenty maple trees grown in vast plantations. Aside from sugar, maple syrup, maple candy, and other maple-made items are also showcased during these events. Maple festivals occur during spring season when maple trees omit the largest amount of sap for the whole year. After harvesting the sap, maple farmers and fanatics process the sap and turn them into different maple products. By the time the festival is near, these hardcore maple fans show off their maple creations in the Maple Sugar Festival where food, fun, and enjoyment are the main goal. Kids, teenagers, and adults are sure to have an entertaining day at the fair as they go around exploring games and other attractions that the festival offers. Add the huge maple feast to that and you’ll be more than satisfied when you go home. Tourists are also welcome to join the natives in these celebrations that exhibit the rich culture and tradition of the place that is hosting the event.

One maple sugar festival is held in Kalamazoo, Michigan every March. This simple hometown fair boasts one truly exciting and memorable maple festival as it includes activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, farmhouse tours, sugar-making demonstrations, hiking spree, and other fun events that young ones and grown-ups will love. Maple fans who are also environmental advocates will get up-close and personal with the maple trees and learn the process of getting maple sap through participating in a wooden trail hike with one of the festival organizers who has the expertise on everything maple. After the long walk, treat yourself with ice cream garnished with maple syrup on top and cotton candies made from all natural maple sugar. If you love cooking, make sure you bring your copy of your own maple recipe so festival staffs can include it in their new maple cookbook that aims to provide food fanatics their collection of good and tasty maple recipes.

Another amusing maple sugar festival is scheduled every February in Nanaimo, Canada. Who else could be organizing a grand maple festival other than the country whose flag bears one maple leaf? In Nanaimo, residents and visitors are very welcome to join their annual event that commemorates their beloved food source, which are maple trees. Delight yourselves in their Lumberjack Breakfast where maple syrup is served with delicious hot pancakes, along with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, and baked beans. There are also different hot beverages like coffee and tea to start off your morning right. Other unique and appetizing home-cooked treats are also available in the Centennial Building. Here, you can buy Tourtiere meat pie and maple toffee on snow for affordable prices. There’s also a talent contest where natives compete for the title of being the best singer among the rest at the singing competition entitled Toffy’s Idol Contest.

Maple candy is a very tasty treat for those who enjoy maple products and sugary surprises. This type of candy has an exquisite flavor that only maple saps possess. That’s why it’s a perfect ingredient to various kitchen recipes. You can either buy or make some and place it anywhere in your house so you’ll have some candies available if you have guests. Although it would be easier for you to purchase some, you can try to cook it. Making your own maple candy is fun to do especially if you’re cooking with a few relatives or friends. However, just be careful in handling pots and pans when creating this saccharine delight. After you’ve produced or bought some, place it in a closed container like a cookie jar or a wide-necked bottle and put it in a location where anyone can get some when they needed it.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy maple candy. If you love maple syrup, then you’ve got to love its solid form, which is the maple candy. You can either eat them on its own or use it as sweetener to coffee, tea, or milk. Whether it’s a hot drink or a cold one, you’re sure to love its extra sweet taste. Experience its unique taste through mixing it with powdered or fresh cold juices. The difference between maple sugar and maple candy is the richness of its taste. Sure, you can use any of the two on beverages or food but maple candy adds richer taste and enhanced flavor so you can take more pleasure out of your snacks or drinks. You can also give it as a gift for kids. Share it with food experts too and see them marvel at this very delicious sweets.

To make maple candy, you need 4 cups of maple syrup, your desired amount of butter, a pot, a candy thermometer, a wooden spoon, and a mold. For the maple syrup, you can choose any kind whether it’s a grade A or B maple syrup product. Many recommend using grade B maple syrup for maple candies because it has stronger taste, thereby, making your candy sweeter and more savory. If you’re not much of a sweet tooth, you can opt to select grade A maple syrup from your trusted grocery store or supermarket. After deciding which syrup type you’re going to incorporate in the recipe, start off with pouring the syrup in a pot or a saucepan. Put the pan in low heat and stir in the butter. The amount of butter may vary depending on your taste. Just remember that if you add more butter, your candy will turn softer and creamier. Then, turn the heat higher and bring the syrup to a boil until it reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat as soon as bubbles appear on the surface. Let it cool for at least 2-3 minutes. Stop stirring the liquid and wait for another 3 minutes before pouring it in a mold. Take the formed candies in the mold after 10 minutes and place in at a room temperature.