What better way to welcome spring than with a half gallon of pure maple syrup?

From late February through early April, farmers in nearly every hilltown village in Massachusetts honor an old New England tradition.  They take to the woods with buckets, tubing and drills to gather the sap from sugar maple trees, boiling it down to pure maple syrup. 

Sugaring is the first sign of the annual agricultural awakening.  Old-man winter disappears in puffs of sweet steam from weather-beaten sugarhouses.  The warmth of the evaporator and the aroma of the hot syrup contrast with the lingering chill outside. 

So enjoy it for baking, on pancakes, or as a garnish on ice cream!!!  One of the sweetest things Massachusetts has to offer!