William Shakespeare
- not as daunting as it seemed! (if I can boil water, read a thermometer and light a fire, I can do this!)
- with kids it is more work, but more fun too!
- if boiling down sap alone outside with wood fire & a 2yo- request assistance :)
- save up milk jugs to use for storage and collection
- can bungee the jugs right to the taps (if no hose)
- south side of tree runs more -find healthy trees!
- a few trees is really all you need to start, even birch, walnut or boxelder too!
- store sap in refrig. in between collection days or pack in snow in a safe spot outside
- getting a fire lit w/o lighter fluid is the hardest part of the day
- look for a non windy day
- homemade evaporator is better than 4 gal. of evaporated water in the kitchen!
- heavy duty aluminum roasting pans work great = no clean up!
- large tin can (from fruit) works great as a ladle = no clean up!
- coffee filter works better than cheese cloth (lay inside a strainer with a handle)
- brush the surface with a stick of butter if sap's about to boil over
- this book is a great help! -practical, non-technical
- read aloud to the kids the story Miracles on Maple Hill during sugar season
- Definitely trying this again next year (maybe a sugarin' par-tay with friends!)