Early Spring always holds special memories for me. The first few weeks of Spring, when the weather starts to get milder during the day and the nights are still a bit crisp, bring me right back to my childhood in Vermont. As long as I lived there, sugaring played some role in activities for part of those early weeks. We tapped our trees and helped boil down the sap... it was such a long process (seemingly never ending when you're a child!), but, SO worth the reward! There is nothing better than having that first taste right when it's done. It is true perfection. I miss the days of seeing so many active sugar shacks and knowing that I was welcome to stop at any of them during the sugaring season. There was always someone inside, eager for some company - and, happy to share a sip of the latest batch - while it was still warm. Now that we live in Maine, it's become a mission of ours to partake in the Maine Maple Sunday traditions. It's so great to see the lines of people out supporting these local farmers and sugar houses! I will always be partial to VT maple syrup (it is the best flavor, hands down), but, I love to enjoy any celebration that includes this tasty, delectable bit of heaven... no matter where it's made!
