Backyard maple sugaring

[kateskitchen]

Last March, my hubby and I made our first maple syrup (collected from our 2 huge backyard sugar maples). The process was filled with a comedy of errors, and all we ended up with (given that the vat collapsed on the grill and spilled) was 2 cups. But wow! So delicious! We are now hooked and hope to get a head start on the 2011 season. Are there any experienced syrup makers out there who would like to share their thoughts?

[newbie]

I do have some experience, but difficult without specific questions.
What can I help you with?

[Groves]

I've got a handful of years experience, too. We tap less than 30 trees, so I'm not like the big operations, but outside of some equipment, we're all the same.

This year we have a church that will let us tap 20 of their maples, too. For us, it gives the kids meaningful chores, keeps us connected to God's earth in delicious ways, and we end up trading for produce at the markets.

Fun hobby.