All maple syrup grades are determined by color. There are five USDA maple grades, including three Grade A’s (light amber maple, medium amber maple, dark amber maple) and two darker syrups, Grade B maple and a commercial maple grade. Not unlike wine, all have distinct flavors and tones. Contrary to popular belief, maple syrup grades do not indicate a difference in quality or purity. When buying maple, choose the right grade for what you intend to use it for – and pair it with. As a rule, the darker the color, the stronger the pure maple flavor.

Grade A Light Amber – A very delicate maple flavor

Grade A Medium Amber – A stronger, yet mild maple flavor

Grade A Dark Amber – Robust maple flavor, great for cooking, grilling, and on oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, glazes, etc

Grade B – The heartiest maple grade, and a perfect ‘secret ingredient’ for adding deep, dark flavor tones and subtle sweetness to your favorite gourmet recipes.

No reason to wait till the 24th to enjoy waffles!  These recipes are proof, waffles are good anytime of the day. Emeril Lagasse’s Waffle Iron Reuben Sandwich could be your next lunch.  For dinner, we have you covered there with Serious Eats Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole.  Need another dinner option?  What about (fried) chicken and waffles?  If you are not already familiar with this dish, check out all the locations where it is commonplace.

Want a simple buttermilk recipe for breakfast, Add a Pinch is happy to help us oblige. Just visit this site for recipe.

Photo credit AddaPinch.com.

Photo from Lovenordic Design Blog.

Thank you to our friend Gary Jue at Valley Fig for taking the above pictures.

The closest infestation to New Hampshire and Vermont was in Worcester, MA where more than 20,000 trees had to be cut down to prevent the beetle from spreading in 2008 and 2009. Future infestations in New England can be prevented by not transporting firewood across state lines and by the immediate reporting of beetle sightings.

Image of beetle from treehelp.com

First, know your guests. Find out if anyone attending has a food allergy or preference.  Knowing in advance can prevent any uncomfortable situations the day of.  Just think how appreciative a guest with a gluten intolerance will be that you thought ahead and made Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes with Maple Icing. How many children will be attending, or will there be any at all. If you are inviting a lot of people with children this may also determine the time of the party.

Emailing invitations is fine if a casual event.  Paper invites are only expected for formal events such as weddings where guests will want a keepsake and RSVP’s are essential to planning.

Is this an outdoor or indoor occasion. If the former include a rain date in your invitation. Are you traveling to the party site or is it at home. Will you need a cooler for drinks or will the wheelbarrow in the back do.

What time of the day is the event.  If a morning party you could do something “easy” like Paula Deen’s Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup.

Plan your menu, choose the recipes, and make your shopping list. Depending on the season, utilize your local farmers’ market for some beautiful produce (it can serve double duty as a table top show stopper and delicious ingredient). When it comes to the bar have one or two house cocktails, beer, and wine.  No need to have a full bar unless you are throwing a cocktail party and hiring a bartender (the one place you should spend money other than a cleanup crew).

To make it easy on yourself, and because most guests like to bring something to a party, either make the party BYOB (not appropriate for a cocktail party but welcome for an outdoor screening) or ask guests to bring a dessert (perfect for a barbecue).

Remember, the guests want to see their host so have fun at your party!!!

Photo from LiveJournal.

A Duluth canvas backpack and easy to pack hammock.

An Orvis Gift Card he can use towards fishing gear or a getaway (maybe he’ll take you!).

Headphones for his commute aboard public transportation.

…and for this extra special man a 32 ounce jug (pack of 2) of Coombs Family Farms 100% Pure Organic Maple Syrup Grade B.