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Cranberry Chestnut Bars – Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free

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These cranberry chestnut bars have a texture like good quickbread – moist and tender, a little bit heavier than most cakes. The cranberries add brightness to the recipe – a little “pop” of flavor. They'd be great without the chocolate chips, too, but of course the boys are more likely to gobble things up if there's chocolate involved.

cranberry chestnut bars

Some of you may remember that we planted some chestnut trees in 2014 as part of our efforts to expand the number of different food crops that we grow and create part of our permaculture landscape. Before we planted any more of them, I figured I'd better make sure we actually like to eat them, so I went hunting for chestnut recipes and chestnuts.  [Read more…] about Cranberry Chestnut Bars – Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free

Maple Leaf Cookies Made with Real Maple Syrup and Maple Glaze

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We buy maple syrup in bulk from a local maple syrup producer, so I enjoy trying out new maple syrup recipes. These maple leaf cookies are a maple twist on traditional sugar cookies. They start with making a butter and sugar blend that reminds me of the caramel sauce from my mom's favorite cinnamon roll recipe, and add a dash of spice and light maple glaze for a simple but tasty cookie.

maple leaf cookies [Read more…] about Maple Leaf Cookies Made with Real Maple Syrup and Maple Glaze

How to Make Maple Syrup and Maple Syrup Substitute

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Maple tap

Maple syrup is a delicious, healthy alternative to refined sugar, and is enjoyed on the table as well as in many recipes. It's simple to make maple syrup in the backyard, though once bitten by the sugaring bug, many go on to expand their operations!

Note:  If you're here from the “50 Things You Should Make Instead of Buy” article, we do have a quick and easy homemade maple syrup substitute at the bottom of the page. [Read more…] about How to Make Maple Syrup and Maple Syrup Substitute

Easy Maple Candied Walnuts – For Snacking or Gifts

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With real maple syrup, butter, sea salt and a touch of cinnamon, these maple candied walnuts make a special treat for any occasion.

In recent years we've been blessed with an abundance of walnuts from a neighbor each fall, so I enjoy trying out new walnut recipes. This recipe for Maple Candied Walnuts from The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen is lovely and couldn't be easier. They make a tasty and unique gift, but are easy enough to be a special treat any time of year.
[Read more…] about Easy Maple Candied Walnuts – For Snacking or Gifts

The Sugarmaker’s Companion – Beyond Maple Syrup

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From sugarbush management to creating a successful long term business, The Sugarmaker's Companion is a solid resource for sap harvesters.
The Sugarmaker's Companion: An Integrated Approach to Producing Syrup from Maple, Birch, and Walnut Trees by Michael Farrell focuses on the business of syrup and sugar making. If you want to tap maples or other trees for profit, this book is a worthwhile investment. Even if you don't have trees, the book still has merit for small producers of many types. Producing an excellent product is no longer enough – you have to be able to market it, and create value added products. Those often overlooked areas are what keep small farms alive. [Read more…] about The Sugarmaker's Companion – Beyond Maple Syrup

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