Maple Syrup Time in PEC

Please note that the Province of Ontario is not recommending non-essential travel between zones. If you do travel, please travel responsibly: stick with people in your own household, limit contact with others and follow all public health guidelines.

With so much that is unrecognizable these days, the return of sap flowing through the trees seems especially comforting.

It’s a sign that the earth is spinning, as it always has, and that better days are on the way. But needless to say, this maple season will not look like ones we are used to.

Maple in the County, the annual festival celebrating all things maple, is taking a COVID-inspired break this year. So while there’s no festival, conditions are ideal and local producers are hard at work producing maple syrup, maple butter and other products.

The Good News? If you’re in the neighbourhood or want to order from local producers online, there are definitely ways to get your maple fix.

If your COVID survival plans include mastering the cocktail shaker, the new Maple Love is Forever Kit from Kinsip House of Fine Spirits is for you and includes maple whisky, whisky barrel aged maple syrup, maple walnut bitters and 2 glasses. Can be ordered online for delivery or pickup.

If cider is more your jam, Crimson Cider’s Oh So Sappy is an off dry maple cider, available as a stand alone 750ml bottle or as part of a Maple Basket with local syrup and maple candy. Free delivery to PEC and area, Toronto, Durham and Ottawa.

The County Cider Company has a March Cider Box includes cans of cider and local maple candy, plus bonus mystery ciders with free shipping. Here’s a great use for that County cider:

A small number of local businesses have joined together to offer March Maple Madness, @marchmaplemadnesspec on Instagram, featuring syrup-laden events and sugar shacks with that sweet steam rising every weekend in March.

• Bring your bubble to Three Dog Winery for waffles with syrup and beans, plus marshmallows by the bonfire. There is also opportunities (albeit limited) for private groups to take a shuttle through 100-year-old woods down to the sugar shack for a hands-on demonstration of the maple syrup process (reservations required).
• Walk the trails through the sugar maples at Walt’s Sugar Shack and reward your labours with their changing offerings of maple inspired and infused food.
• Smokin Rednex will be serving up smoked maple BBQ fare at County Shores sugar shack.
• Waupoos Winery and Sugarbush’s petting zoo and sugar shack are open and, for those who prefer glass plates and real cutlery, the restaurant is serving a Maple Brunch.

Remember that social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols remain in place at all venues. Keep in mind that opening hours and offerings can change and some events require reservation. Check before you leave.

Want that sweet taste without leaving home? Several County producers sell their syrup online, including Justin’s, Roblin’s and Vader’s Maple Syrup.

County Maple Dressing

This recipe comes to us from Smokin Rednex. John says it’s a versatile maple-forward dressing. Don’t feel like making it yourself? John has it for sale at his food truck at County Shores every weekend in March.

Ingredients
2 cups vinegar of your choice, such as apple cider|
1 cup County maple syrup
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions
Mix and drizzle at will.