Molasses-on-Snow Candy is the title of the recipe in my Little House Cookbook, by Barbara M. Walker. I've had this book since I was a little girl and dug it out this afternoon to celebrate the snow day. Alex and Amaya were out sledding and my jar of molasses refused to open. I tried everything, then shrugged, and went for maple syrup. I like the lighter flavor of straight up maple syrup better than pure molasses anyway. I adapted the recipe, adding a pinch of salt, changing brown sugar to white, and then kept the syrup warm on the stove top while I waited for them to get back.
After pouring the cooked maple syrup into the snow we broke off cold pieces of candy. As they hit our tongues they immediately melted and softened into chewy candy that dissolved quickly in our mouths. It was sweet and addictive and so much fun to eat. Amaya dubbed it the best snow day treat ever.
Maple-on-Snow Candy
1 cup maple syrup, preferably full flavored Grade B
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Pack clean snow, I scraped off the top layer and dug out from the middle of a pile, into medium bowls or baking dishes and leave outside to stay frozen. Put the maple syrup, sugar, and salt in a medium deep pot. Stir just until the sugar is liquid and there are no lumps in the syrup. Set over medium high heat and cook to 245°F. (118°C.) and then let cool slightly. Pour the syrup over the snow and as soon as it hardens, break it into pieces, and enjoy.
Years Past
