Make your own iconic maple sugar candy.

Make your own iconic maple sugar candy.

by Linda Davey.

As a kid on family vacations in the north country, I was delighted to see those little maple sugar candies packed in neat boxes. You can make your own at home: all you need is maple syrup, a candy thermometer, a wooden spoon and candy molds (I prefer the silicone molds).

Bring 2 cups maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup reaches 235 degrees on a candy thermometer, remove from the heat and allow to cool to 175 degrees without stirring (approximately 10 minutes). At that point, stir the syrup with a wooden spoon until it begins to thicken and turn lighter in color. Pour into molds and set aside to cool.

Once cool, unmold and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month at room temperature.

Looking for other ways to use maple when cooking? You can find additional recipes (including one for a yummy maple cocktail) on Linda Davey’s website: www.timewellspnt.com.