Snow Shoot - A Canadian Tradition
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Snow Taffy Recipe
A Canadian Tradition
Ingredients :
- 500 ml of pure maple syrup
- A large bin filled with clean, well-packed snow
- Wooden sticks (popsicle type)
Instructions :
Prepare the Snow:
Fill a large bin or tray with fresh, clean, tightly packed snow. Place it outside or in a freezer to keep it cold.Heat the Syrup:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour the maple syrup. Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to reach exactly 115°C (238°F), the ideal temperature for the syrup to become taffy.Pour the Tire:
Remove the syrup from the heat and quickly pour it in thin, long strips (1 cm wide, about 60 cm long) onto the snow. Make the strips parallel, leaving a little space between each to make it easier to set.Taste:
Use the sticks to roll up the still-warm taffy and enjoy immediately. It's a friendly and sweet moment that warms up the winter.
The History of Snow Taffy
Maple taffy is more than just a recipe in Canada: it’s a ritual. Originating in the sugar shacks when settlers harvested maple sap, it symbolizes Canadians’ intimate connection to maple and their harsh winters.
In the 19th century, maple groves were gathering places. After boiling maple sap to make syrup, producers poured the precious hot liquid onto the snow. This simple act transformed the syrup into a tender confection, both sweet and crunchy. Families gathered around these tubs to enjoy maple taffy, sharing laughter and creating memories.
Even today, maple taffy on snow is a must-do activity in sugar shacks and a shared winter pleasure in homes. It embodies the simplicity and richness of Canadian culture, a bridge between generations and a celebration of nature.