Maple News
Did you know that there are more than 100 maple species around the world, including a prairie-hearty variety, and a “bully“? Or that some folks have finally been able to eradicate the villainous Asian longhorned beetle? Neither did we!
News from the maple industry abounds, complete with mergers and acquisitions, lifestyles of the rich and maple, and production records in West Virginia. While production slowed in New York in 2020, Vermont now produces over half of the maple syrup made in the US. A Canadian maple festival donated $35,000 to local COVID relief efforts, Maine presses the federal government to support the industry through the pandemic, and our own Runamok Maple surpasses itself with a rose-and-strawberry-infused maple syrup. Yum.
Move over maple creemee, there’s a new sheriff in town, and she’s lookin’ to sample these new maple-infused ice-cream flavors: Taylor Ham & French Toast, Oat Milk Pecan, and Vegan Vanilla Berry. A nightcap? Walnut Maple Bourbon Ratafia. Don’t mind if I do.
But mostly, there’s a summer-maple recipe explosion happening. We have been waiting for an excuse to introduce you to Tabitha Brown, the internet’s (the world’s!) most delightful cook. And now we have it: Maple Mushroom Avocado Toast. We trust you two can take it from here.
For your stress or joy baking, we give you an embarrassment of riches: Coconut Summer Berry Crisp, Strawberry Banana Parfait with Vanilla Custard and Candied Almonds, Carrot Apple Cookies, and Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts. Or, feeling virtuous? How about some homemade Peach Raspberry Iced Tea or Souchong Sour to wash down that Blueberry Balsamic Salad? Or, feed the family with Grilled Escarole with Tahini-Ranch Dressing, Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, and Grilled Fruit with Maple Glaze.
Backyard News
This summer, all roads lead to the backyard. People are missing baseball so badly (and here) they are building stadiums in their backyards! Also happening: backyard bars, backyard coffee shops, backyard theatres, backyard ballet, and backyard obstacle courses. Need to visit an ailing relative? Camp in their backyard. Need to keep an eye on a loved one? Enter backyard guest housesand granny pods.
People are also doing good in their backyards by growing veggies and baking bread for neighbors in need, wildscaping urban backyards for the planet, or gifting surprise backyard makeovers. Folks are also figuring out how to safely share their backyard pools. (Perhaps that’s why we’re spending more than ever on the ultimate backyard couture: the bathing suit.)
New for the backyard naturalist: no fear backyard mushrooms. (Not to be confused with yes fear backyard pythons.) And bugs (also here). And how to be a “bird landlord.”
Having trouble getting started in your backyard? Here are some tips for enjoying your backyard all summer long!