'Tis the Season

'Tis the season to try new things. And try we did. I often write about the charm of living in a small town and the good neighbors we have and that was on full display last weekend when Kim and I went to the town hall to make holiday wreaths. I was told that is was a nice way to spend some time with folks and that you would leave with a nice wreath. It was indeed a nice way to spend time with our neighbors. Instructions, greens, bows and all the stuff were provided, as were refreshments. This is a tradition in Worthington dating back over 100 years. Thanks to the Garden Club and all the volunteers that made the event possible.

They said I would come home with a nice wreath. Instead, I took home the one I made!

Out in the Woods

The upcoming season is well underway as we ready the woods, trees, and ourselves for syruping. Truth is, the woods and trees need no help. We are slowly transforming ourselves from market season to sugaring season as we string new lines, fix the older lines, and get all our equipment ready. Before we know it, we will be drilling taps and collecting sap. We have a great crew this year and I am looking forward to keeping you all updated as the season progresses.

It is hard work in the woods, but we always take time to laugh and have fun.

Maple Pecan Bars with Chocolate Drizzle

Maple Pecan Bars
Servings about 9 bars
Total time:55 minutes

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 3/4 cups flour

  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 1/3 cup Justamere Maple Sugar (although granulated will work here)

  • pinch of salt

Maple Pecan Topping

  • 1/2 cup Justamere Maple Syrup

  • 1/3 cup Justamere Maple Sugar (although light brown sugar will work here too)

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/4 whipping cream

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Chocolate Drizzle
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.

  • For the crust: Line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper - letting it overhang on two sides for removal. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until course crumbs form.

  • Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool.

  • For the topping: In a medium saucepan combine maple syrup, sugar, butter, cream and salt. Bring to a boil and boil for about a minute.

  • Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and pecans.

  • Pour topping into cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly around edges.

  • Cool

  • While cooling melt chocolate with shortening in microwave at 30 second intervals or in a double boiler.

  • Remove bars from pan and drizzle with chocolate and cut into bars.

Enjoy. These are wonderful treats!

Happy Holidays everyone. We hope you and your loved ones have a great rest of 2022.

Justamere Tree FarmComment