Tire sur la Neige

(Canadian maple syrup taffy)

Tire sur la neige (draw on the snow) is an old-fashioned treat in Québec, also known as tire d'érable or la tire. It is made in the late winter and early spring as the maple syrup harvest begins and snow is still on the ground.

First, long wooden troughs are filled with fresh, clean snow. Then boiled and reduced maple syrup is poured in strips over the snow, chilling it to a taffy-like consistency. Children then roll up the taffy on wooden sticks and for a sweet and sticky cold-weather treat. As the Québecois say, "Attention aux dents!"

Makes enough for 5 to 6 kids, big or small

Ingredients

Maple syrup -- 1 quart
Fresh, clean snow -- a good amount

Method

Bring the maple syrup to a boil in a large saucepan and simmer until it reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
Pour in a thin stream over clean snow. Let set for a moment to begin to harden. Roll up on a clean stick and eat.