WINTER MAPLE TAFFY

There’s been several inches of snow consumption in our house over the last several days following the Winter storm here in Arkansas; two varieties of ice cream, scores of cocktails, but perhaps the favorite of everyone has been our simple, whimsical WINTER MAPLE TAFFY that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Hailed as a generations old New England Wintertime recipe called "leather aprons" or "leather britches,” due to its chewy texture and dark brown hue that we can’t seem to get enough of. Perhaps the greatest virtue in this snowbound treat is it’s simplicity - all that’s required is warm maple syrup, packed snow, and some old wooden popsicle sticks or skewers loitering (cluttering) in that kitchen drawer…you know exactly which drawer I’m referring to, right.? Regardless, it’s been the hit around here this week…and I’ll take all the help I can wrangle to keep the women in the house from killing me during an icy lockdown.

Winter Maple Taffy

Serves 4 to 6 | Time: 10 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

8 OUNCES MAPLE SYRUP

PACKED SNOW

WOODEN POPSICLE STICKS OR SKEWERS

TECHNIQUE

Heat maple syrup in a pan to around 234F degrees (around two minutes), then with a spoon, carefully drizzle it in strips over packed snow.

Dip one end of a popsicle stick into edge of drizzled syrup, then twirl until taffy like syrup rolls into a pliable ball. Once cooled after a few seconds, devour from the stick or add to coffee or cocoa.