Snow Treats

It's a rare day in North Carolina where we have enough snow that the grass doesn't peep through, but this weekend has been a winter paradise.  The kids are also having a "snow day" today, where they lounge around the house and play to their heart's content.  There have been plenty of sledding and snow angels and imaginary games going on out there!

When they come in, freezing and dripping, first on the agenda is some sort of warm treat.  My girls love Snow Candy the best.  If you get some snow, why not try some too?

SNOW CANDY

1/2 cup real maple syrup
2 tbsp. salted butter
Fresh snow

(this recipe is easily doubled or halved)

1. Have the kids fill a big, clean pan of snow (think at least 2” deep and as wide as you have).  Meanwhile, heat the syrup and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.

2. The mixture is ready 6 to 7 minutes after it boils. It should stiffen when dripped onto a plate. I just set the timer and call it good, or do a few test drips on the pan of snow.  You're looking for it to firm up.  Don't fret here - just get it rather thick but not burnt.  (If you're a perfectionist, you;re aiming for about 230 on a candy thermometer.)

3. Remove from heat and pour over the snow within a minute or two. It cools so quickly that kids can taste it right away, directly from the snow.  Eat it all.  No really, the leftovers get all soggy.  You HAVE to eat it.  Poor you.

Traditionally, this is served with something really salty, like pickles or crackers.

(This version was adapted from Catherine Newman's recipe published in Wondertime magazine.  Sniff.  Wondertime.  That was my favorite magazine, and now it's gone forever.)