Mar 18, 2011

Maple Syrup

Yesterday we started tapping the trees.  We only do a dozen or so, just enough to put up syrup for a few months.  I found some pictures of  our "operation" from a couple of years ago and thought I'd post them.
 One of our taps-

Cooking it over the fire.

When it boils down to about a gallon, we bring it in and finish it on the stove.

Then we strain it and bottle it.  
Pretty simple, really.  Unfortunately, we usually only get enough to last us through the summer.  We eat alot of pancakes. 
Today I hope to finish tapping the trees and bringing the first of the sap home.
We are also having a birthday party tonight so the day promises to be full.
Count your blessings, God is good.
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6 comments:

  1. Gentleliving7March 18, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    That maple syrup sounds so good! Isn't it delicious and satisfying to do things like that for yourself?

    We will have a busy week end as well. My daughter, son in love and baby grandson are still here. We have a party at assembly tomorrow and my little neice turned two today(the one I keep). Her party is Sunday. Sometime sunday I would like to get the corn in the ground. :) We shall see how it all shapes up!

    Be blessed!

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  2. Mama PeaMarch 19, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Candle making and maple sap gathering. So much to fill our days. These two particular things I've never done but can appreciate the sense of accomplishment doing them must bring. Such projects that involve our hearts and hands are the important ones, I think.

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  3. NikkiMarch 21, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    So glad you found TN so beautiful. Everything is blooming now and there is so much color! I'm loving it. Maple syrup sounds so yummy :) Blessings! ~ Nikki

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  4. TrinaMarch 27, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Hi Rhonda, Its been quite awhile and I just noticed you had changed over here....so I thought I would come over and check your new blog out. I to am opening a blog here.. not so much of a homesteading blog but hope you will stop by from time to time and say hi. Your friend from Oregon Trina

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  5. CarolMarch 29, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Rhonda,Sunday morning I discovered sap in our bags on the lone maple tree in the grove. Rich is very excited about it. We only have 1/2 gallon but perhaps the tree will give more. This is our first year attempting the maple syrup thingy.. wish us luck!

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  6. CarolMarch 29, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Can the sap be frozen and then processed later?
    And how do you keep it until you process it?

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