Maple Taffy

Microwave Method

• 1 cup pure maple syrup from Canada
• 10 wooden sticks (to make lollipops)
• Clean snow. If good snow isn’t at hand, you can use finely crushed ice.

Stovetop Method

• A 540 ml can or bottle of pure maple syrup from Canada
• 10 wooden sticks (to make lollipops)
• Clean snow. If good snow isn’t at hand, you can use finely crushed ice.

Microwave Method

1. Lightly grease the top 1 cm (3/8 in) of the inside of a microwave-safe container. This will keep the syrup from bubbling over.
2. Pour maple syrup into the container.
3. Fill a large flat tray or bin with snow, packing it down. Set it outside or in the freezer while the syrup comes to temperature.
4. Heat maple syrup 7 to 10 minutes in microwave (cooking time may vary according to your machine’s power). You will know it’s ready when drops of taffy turn into soft little balls in a glass of cold water.
5. You can then pour the taffy into a container and refrigerate until ready to use or pour it in lines on the snow or crushed ice and roll up on sticks for instant lollipops!

Stovetop Method

1. Lightly grease the top 1 cm (3/8 in) of the inside of a 2-litre (8-cup) saucepan. This will keep the syrup from bubbling over.
2. Pour maple syrup into the saucepan.
3. Fill a large flat tray or bin with snow, packing it down. Set it outside or in the freezer while the syrup comes to temperature.
4. Put saucepan on medium-high heat with a candy thermometer on the rim or its probe in the syrup. Bring to the boil.
5. Keep the temperature between 237° and 240° F for about 20 minutes. Important: Never stir the syrup during and after cooking because it may cause the taffy to crystallize. You will know it’s ready when drops of taffy turn into soft little balls in a glass of cold water.
6. Pour the taffy in lines on snow or crushed ice and roll up on sticks for perfect maple lollipops.