Got Snow? Have a Sugar on Snow Party

When you're snowed in or the world around you is covered in snow, don't despair. Make some Sugar-on-Snow, or better yet, have a Sugar-on-Snow Party.

Making Sugar-on-Snow is a England tradition, and if you haven't tried it yet, then you're missing out on something good.

What is Sugar-on-Snow

Sugar-on-Snow is a taffy-like candy that can be created at home with heated maple syrup, and some fresh nature-made snow.

Have Snow? Host a Sugar-on-Snow Party

When school is cancelled, or you cannot get to work, or you wake up on the weekend to a fresh blanket of snow, throw a sugar-on-snow party. It doesn't take much planning. Just invite your friends, get some maple syrup, and bundle up.

How to Make Sugar-on-Snow

First, to make Sugar-on-Snow there needs to be clean and fresh snow available. There seems to be no lack of that in New England, so let's move on to the next main item you need

You must have some maple syrup. Yes, you can use your standard, store-bought maple syrup in a plastic bottle if that is all you have. Of course, Sugar-on-Snow is one thousand times better with locally-made or even homemade maple syrup.

The next thing you absolutely need to make Sugar-on-Snow is an adult. The trick to making the delicious Sugar-on-Snow involves both heat and cold. The maple syrup needs to be heated to between 234 and 255 degrees. According to the Mass Maple Producers Association, the maple syrup should be "22 to 28 degrees above the boiling point of water."

Heat the maple syrup in a pan on the stove. Use a candy thermometer to help you check the temperature of the maple syrup.

Another way to check the temperature of the maple syrup is to drizzle some into a plain glass of water. Stir the water and syrup. If the maple syrup clings to a fork, it is ready for the snow. If the maple syrup dissovles in the water, then it is not hot enough.

Now, you can either venture outdoors to make the Sugar-on-Snow, or you can bring the snow to you. Adults can have a bonfire (if permitted in your area) and cook their maple syrup outside.

Find a patch of undisturbed, clean snow. Either set up camp right there or bring a bowl of snow into the house.

Drizzle the heated maple syrup onto the snow. The maple syrup should harden into a taffy-like substance.

A more appealing option for some of you may be to simply make this shaved ice, that comes from your freezer.

How to Eat It

Let it cool a bit so you not burn your tongue.

Bring your fork out into the snow and scoop up the sweet Sugar-on-Snow treat. It is traditionally served with plain tasting items including salted crackers or plain doughnuts. When hosting a party, assign each guest to bring one item. One guest can bring the coffee, one can bring crackers, and one can bring doughnuts.

Some people also counteract the sweetness of the treat by pairing it with dill pickles (seriously). A cup of hot coffee is another good choice to drink alongside Sugar-on-Snow. Or, just eat it from the (clean!) snow.

Help! It Didn't Work

Making Sugar-on-Snow takes some practice, and attention to detail. It may not work right if the maple syrup is not the proper temperature.

Also, if you stir the maple syrup before pouring it onto the snow, it may not form correctly.

Remember, the next time nature gives you snow, make some sugar-on-snow!

Sources

Mass Maple Producers Association, http://www.massmaple.org
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, http://extension.unh.edu