Your Cabin in the Woods by Conrad E. Meinecke & Victor Aures

Author:Conrad E. Meinecke & Victor Aures
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Running Press
Published: 2016-09-06T04:00:00+00:00

Bore a three-eighths-inch hole in the tree about three feet from the ground. Bore it about two inches deep, pointing your brace and bit straight in. Next drive in tightly a spout or spile, which can be purchased at the hardware store. Now, hang upon the spout a small pail and, at once, you will see almost a miracle. Here is the proverbial “milk and honey” right in your own backyard. As the bucket fills, carry it inside to the iron kettle. Set it to boil as you would the teakettle. As it boils down add more sap. Before too long the liquid will take on a bright, light amber color. First-run syrup of the highest grade is judged on its weight and color. The browner syrup color seems to depend on the seasonal variation. To test for the right consistency, instruments have been invented to measure specific gravity. Do not let this disturb you. Our grandfathers had a simpler method that worked. They used just plain “horse sense.” When the syrup begins to thicken, put a drop of it between your thumb and first finger. Feel for stickiness. It should feel like light mucilage. Another test is to lift a spoonful of syrup and watch it flow. If it flows like water, boil it some more. If it flows like a salad oil or light honey, it is ready for bottling. Seal it in sterile jars. You will look with pride in the months ahead on this stored-up life-giving energy, which can serve to dress up many a meal. Hot biscuits, fried cornmeal, hot cereals, French toast, ice cream, puddings, and all manner of pancakes, waffles, and fritters are enhanced with this sweetest of sweets.

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