Maple Taffy on Snow

Instructions

1. Fill a large container (such as a 13 x 9-inch/33 x 23 cm pan) with compacted snow. Leave it outside, weather permitting, or put it in the freezer while the syrup is boiling.
2. Pour the maple syrup into a large pot. Place a thermometer in the centre of the pot. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until the thermometer reads 238°F (115°C), about 10 minutes. To stop it from boiling over during cooking, add a pat of butter to the syrup. Remove from the heat. Be careful, the taffy is extremely hot.
3. Test the taffy on the snow to check its consistency. If it’s too stiff, stir in a small amount of water. If it’s too runny, continue cooking.
4. With a metal spoon or ladle, pour lines of boiling syrup on the snow.
5. Let the taffy harden for a few seconds, then twirl around a spoon, fork or popsicle stick.