We Love Learning!

If you know us personally, or you've been reading our blog for awhile, you know that we are a homeschooling family, and that we greatly value practical, hands-on learning.  Working with Barb at Pied Piper Maple Products fits right into our philosophy of education!  Her sugar house kitchen has become one of our "classrooms" this maple season, as Grace, Rosie and I begin learning the delicious art of making.....

maple confections!




Actually, it both art and science with a bit of math thrown into the mix.  There is some precision involved - a little bit more than in baking, I'm discovering - but, still room for creativity!

First, we have to measure the overall sugar content of this batch of maple syrup....

Maple syrup contains fructose and sucrose, as well as glucose, so using the same glucose meter commonly used by diabetics to test their blood sugar, we measure the glucose level of the syrup, which is most important in the making different types of candy.








Based on our sugar tests, Barb decided that maple lollipops and maple meringues would be the outcome of today's lessons!  We learned about "invert syrup", the importance of temperature and humidity, and the importance of being prepared.






Rosie is preparing the lollipop molds...

Here, we take turns pouring the hot syrup into the molds - a rather messy job, but YUM!

Rosie is stirring the syrup and dry egg white together for the meringue...

 In the beginning, it is this light tan color, but....

After about 6 minutes, it is white and becoming fluffy!

Humidity is preventing our meringue from holding its peaks, but these will still taste light and "deliciously maple" after 2 hours in a 200 degree oven!

Barb is a dynamic and patient teacher.  I hope my girls had as much fun as I did.  In fact, I'm looking forward to another lesson in the coming week!

While Barb sells these confections as part of her business at many venues across New York State, as well as weddings and special events during the course of the year, we at Westbrook Farm Maple will be sticking with maple syrup and maple cream for now.  We still have equipment to purchase and much to learn about creating these tasty treats.   However, if you stop by our home some quiet afternoon, you just may find me experimenting with maple confections on my own...and I love to share a sweet treat with friends!