Sap is running! And you know what that means?

Pancakes 'n maple syrup!  I checked out a new maple syrup operation this weekend: Shady Grove Maple Co.

Maple syrup is the sweetest Canadian tradition. I love my pancakes with real syrup.  At this farm, if you like, they'll serve them up with their lightly smoked pork sausage that they make with gallons of pure maple syrup (no artificial flavouring, no fillers). I must say, my French Canadian grandmother would've loved this place.

The kids were having so much fun that we spent the whole morning there.  The wagon rides take you round the property and the walk through the buildings feature displays on how the pioneers used to make the syrup.

Shady Grove is well set up to show families and school kids the art of maple syrup – from tapping the trees through to tastings!

I really enjoyed their modern sugar shack of high volume production.   At the same time, they've kept the integrity and tradition of the old fashioned maple syrup making.

So, I'll be short and sweet...my advice:

Enjoy a drive in the country - visit Shady Grove Maple Farm for some fresh air and maple treats!

http://www.shadygrovemaple.ca

Open weekends and every day during March break.

Laurie Malleau does project work for Foodlink. She likes to spend her leisure time in the company of foodie farming friends, sharing and learning about living sustainably with a focus on local food.