Maine Maple Snow Candy Recipes

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat stirring occasionally. Boil until syrup reaches 235 degrees F (110 degrees C) on a candy thermometer.
• Remove from heat and cool to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C) without stirring, about 10 minutes.
• Stir mixture rapidly with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes until the color turns lighter and mixture becomes thick and creamy. Stir in chopped nuts, if desired.
• Pour into molds. Set aside to cool. Once cool, unmold candy. Store in airtight containers up to 1 month.

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a heavy bottomed pot, over medium-high heat.
• Stir as the mixture is heating up, but DO NOT STIR once it starts to boil or simmer.
• Once the mixture comes to a low boil, gently swirl the pot a few times, but do not stir or jostle the pot. Also, do not put a spoon or etc into the pot.
• Lower the heat to low/medium. Simmer for 7 minutes, without stirring.
• Turn off the heat.
• At the five minute mark, have the kids go collect clean snow in large baking pans.
• Drizzle the candy syrup over the snow (a tablespoon or two per serving). It will be cool enough to eat within seconds. With young children, be vigilant.
• This makes enough for five kids to make two or three rounds of snow candy.
• Clean-up will seem awful - but it's just sugar; Soak everything in warm water, and cleaning will be a breeze.
• Flavoring note: I use natural orange flavoring extract; this seems to be my kids' favorite. We've also used no flavor (just the sugar with the lemon juice). Flavoring is a matter of preference; any extract will work - vanilla, peppermint, cherry, etc.