Maple syrup taffy is the perfect snow day treat

While you may be wishing for spring, there are still a few weeks of winter left. And there’s a strong chance that the last of winter will bring a snowfall or two. But don’t fret! If it does snow, we have a suggestion for how you can make the most of it!

Next time the kids have the day off from school, take advantage by creating a snow day treat the whole family will enjoy! This recipe for maple syrup taffy is not only easy to make, but it literally requires snow to complete the candy-making process — so it’ll give you the perfect excuse to get outdoors and have some fun in the cold before the warmer days finally arrive.

The recipe comes from Wholefully and requires very few ingredients: pure maple syrup, butter and a pinch of sea salt. Apparently, this treat can be made with just the syrup alone, but the addition of butter and salt gives it a nice caramel-y flavor and texture, so why not add it in, you know?

You’ll need a medium-sized pot and a candy thermometer to make sure you’re able to get your ingredients to a nice and bubbly at 235 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the liquid reaches the appropriate temperature, get your cold weather gear on and head outside! Find a bank of fresh snow and pour the hot liquid mixture right on top. Watch the snow make the taffy get firm enough to scoop up with a popsicle stick or spoon and enjoy it on the spot!

Should you have leftovers of this yummy stuff, you can simply pick it up off the snow and bring it inside. Form it into small candies with your hands and save it to nibble on when you’re craving something sweet again.

If you don’t live in an area where it snows, you don’t have to miss out on all of the fun! This recipe from Ricardo Cuisine will walk you through the steps of creating a taffy candy that doesn’t require any snow at all.

You’ll need maple syrup, brown sugar, sugar, corn syrup, butter and apple cider vinegar to make these maple-flavored taffies. Just boil all of the ingredients together until the mixture reaches 259 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead of pouring the mixture into the snow, instead pour it into a baking dish and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Then, wearing latex gloves, slowly start to fold the taffy in on itself and stretch it out. Create rope-like pieces and, eventually, cut it down into small candies. Wrap each piece in parchment paper and store it for up to two weeks.

Who knew that making taffy at home could be so simple? Snow or no — this sounds like a great weekend activity. So get the kids in the kitchen and let the taffy-making fun begin!