Sassafras Handles, French Toast

We still have a lot of snow yet to melt, and more is coming our way tomorrow. I usually get my peas planted by the 1^st or 2^nd week of April, so the sun needs to shine soon!

I am busy processing sassafras handles which we went out into the woods to get. These handles that I am sanding in the picture will be used for traditional brooms which is the most popular broom. We sand the top part of the broom and also all the knots in the handle. By sanding the knots, it brings out the character of each broom handle. We then drill a hole in the top and tie a leather for the convenience of hanging. J.P. will go through the steps to make the broom next. We are still very busy processing orders from the rerun of Martha Stewart Show this month of March.

Also the sap is running well with no signs of it stopping. The nights have been freezing and the day time temps. have been in the 30’s - 40’s. Great sugaring weather.

We are making wonderful tasting syrup. There are many variables that influence the taste and quality of pure maple syrup: soil, climate, the health of the trees, and the care and artistry of the sugar maker. We are conscientious and give quality care to what we do to make the best syrup for our customers to purchase. When you purchase and receive your syrup, it should be refrigerated when opened, to retain flavor and prevent fermentation. Properly stored, Maple syrup will keep indefinitely.

If you are serving folks who are used to pancake syrup(especially children) consider serving folks maple syrup chilled. It is much thicker when it is cold, and this is the texture that many people expect from syrup. If you want to warm it so as not to cool down your pancakes, simply place the bottle in a container of hot water.

I am giving you a recipe for French Toast which will be delicious served with plenty of  Justameres syrup on top and you can add berries as well. ENJOY and HAPPY SPRING!

 French Toast (serves 2)

• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs                                                                                 
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract                                              
• 4-6 thick slices of your favorite bread
• 1-2 Tblsp. butter
• strawberries, rasberries or blueberries
• maple syrup, warmed

Whisk together milk, eggs and vanilla extract in a bowl. Dip in slices of bread, turning and waiting a few seconds to let the bread absorb the egg/milk mixture. Heat butter in a sauté pan over medium heat and brown slices on each side until golden. Serve immediately with warmed maple syrup from Justamere Tree Farm and choice of berries.