Maple Syrup season has come and gone.
But not without a visit to a Sugar Shack, tapping our trees for sap and getting caught up in all the bribery associated with liquid gold.
Bribery?
More on that in a minute and yes, it involves my neighbour “Mike”.
Before The Kids came along, Ed and I would head out into the bowels of Quebec with Friends of ours and their Family (usually 25+ people, good ole Catholics) for our annual Sugar Shack visit.
This year, for the first time since 2008, we headed out on a full-day adventure. First stop, Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien.
The place was packed with people looking for their maple syrup fix. Seating was by reservation only. Sometimes weeks in advance. The live music was so encompassing that you just had to dance. At times, you could hardly hear yourself think. The food was amazing and all you can eat. Everything was just the way I like it.
After we were done eating eggs with maple syrup, double fried bacon with maple syrup, ham with maple syrup, sausages with maple syrup, and of course pancakes with maple syrup, the kids had some maple sugar sweets and we were off for some maple syrup taffy!
Off into the woods we headed on our way to
Sabrina is the daughter of an old work colleague of mine and this is her horse (both are pictured). Artemis bravely sat on a horse for the first time. Then, exhausted from all the fun, the kids enjoyed a wagon ride of their own courtesy of Dad.
Looking forward to Next Years Visit!
And now for the bribery.
For the first time in five years, Mike tapped our trees. I have no problem with it because he’s responsible, we have around 10 acres of mature forest and he assured us that we would reap the benefits… for free. Note, nothing in life is free. Well, I had no problem with it until I received this little note on my doorstep…
Sara – I expect a Blog Review.
I can’t say that I’m surprised, I mean, it is Mike. Oops, I mean “Mike”. Besides, that’s the way he rolls. Note that as of last week, Mike has met his comestible obligations. What’s six months between meals…
To make a long story short, the syrup was amazing. And I’m not just saying that because Mike insisted that I say so. Store bought syrup has nothing on the real stuff. Let me know if you live in the area as he’s looking to sell some next year.
Of course, we’ll be getting ours in exchange for a blog review…
Ever Been to a Sugar Shack?
What’s your Favourite part about Spring?
We went with some dear friends last year but just couldn't get it together in time this year…next time! We love maple syrup here and Mike's looks great!
You done good Mike…. ahem… I mean, Sarah!!!
Love the pics. Looks like a great time. I went on a sugar venture once in grade school, but not since. Boo on me.
it must be amazing to tap your own trees… or at least have "mike"do it… can't imagine how great your own syrup mist taste… great post…xx
Jealous! That syrup looks amazing!
We have a local park that makes it and shows the school kids. Our son went and had some and loved it!
Thanks for comment love linking up again. You rock.
I love maple syrup. I hear that this year was a much better year than last year, when the sap ran too early. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
patricia(dot)pickett(at)gmail(dot)com
The food looks very tasty. Thanks for sharing!
My dad used to make homemade maple syrup. It was so good and I sure do miss it!
Our friends own a sugar shack and I love spring because of the melting of the snow and the spring flowers,tulips,are beautiful!
“Mike” here. Maple Syrup season is definitely one of my favourite times of the year. This year, the sap was very clear, and there was lots of it. In fact, I couldn’t boil it fast enough. Consequently, during the off season our small operation grew. Hopefully I can talk Sara to into another blog review once we get rolling.
PS – Artemis, and Max are the Cutest Kids on The Planet!! They call me “Uncle Mike”
I have never been to a sugar shack, but my hubby used to tap trees as a kid. I have though had maple syrup and sugar on snow (thought i’d died and gone to heaven) and the best pumpkin pie, my mother in-law makes with maple syrup. Oh, I must not forget her baked beans again made with maple syrup.
My favorite part about spring, is the yard work, the warmth of the sun, going for walks. Gee, I just love spring all around.
Hope you have a wonderful spring!
P.S. Sounds like you guys had so much fun and those pancakes, I could almost taste them.
Dear Debbie,
Spring is my second favourite season (second only to Fall) and part of that is because of baked beans and maple syrup, mmm. Thanks for the reminder about why I miss Canada because it sure isn’t the snow.
Besos, Sarah