Sweet Maple is an instructional book on backyard sugarmaking that's also the story of the family's connection to the past on a small New England sugar farm. Throughout its pages, Michelle gives advice on: The 30 different kinds of trees that can be used to make syrup (at least one of which grows in every state of the nation) Insight into how sugarmakers down south and out west-- well outside of the "maple belt"--are making syrup successfully. The process of making syrup, to help you decide what level is right for you How to make alternative treats, such as lilac syrup The health benefits of maple products, which contain more than 40 antioxidants Substituting processed sugar with all-natural maple syrup in any recipe The three steps to making maple sugar How to make irresistible maple cream and how to enjoy it While learning the art of sugarmaking alongside her husband, Michelle guides readers through every step of all-natural syrup production, with directions for tapping one tree or hundreds, while detailing the life-changing benefits of using maple syrup in the kitchen. Interspersed with sugaring techniques, tips, sidebars, and storytelling, Michelle shares more than 30 of her family's tried-and-true maple recipes--from scones to salads.