Tapping maple trees for sap and syrup is easy and requires little in the way of equipment and tools. Making syrup isn't that difficult either. However, like wine there is a knack to making really fine syrup. The tapping for sap and boiling to produce syrup is known as sugaring. This how-to book covers all the basics on how to select and tap western maple trees along with the finer points on making good quality liquid gold (maple syrup). Its 96 pages are an easy read and are full of photos and illustrations. Maple sap and syrup contain no additives or preservatives, and are rich in minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. The sap can be used in place of water for many recipes including soup, rice, bread, tea, etc. Although most people associate pancakes with syrup, there's hundreds of uses from baked beans to glazes and desserts.
