When the depravity of humankind seems too much to bear, when we don’t want to try to bring our minds to accept the in comprehensible tragedies we never even knew possible, it seems a cold bleak world indeed.
I cannot offer up much to alter one’s impression of our world or the atrocities that occur therein, nor have I anything to give beyond kind thoughts and prayers to console those who suffer pain and grief, especially from such unspeakable events. But as we draw nearer to this Christmas day what I can do is offer some joy and light to this space, and some happy thoughts, be they trivial or integral to my very being – to make the world a little brighter, even if only a tiny bit.
Some Happy Thoughts
to add a little cheer to this bleak depressing world.
My Mom’s Chocolate Truffles
Gluten Free Baking Successes
Waking up Early to Catch the Sunrise
Seeing Beauty in the Little Things
Feeling Small in the Wonder of it all
Staying up Late to See the Stars
Carefree Afternoons on the Water
Sharing Meals with Friends
Soul Mates
This maple cream was originally my attempt at making maple sugar candies. Unfortunately, it didn’t set up well in the molds. However, it is particularly delicious when spread on top of bread, scones, pancakes, and still has that characteristic melt in your mouth quality that I love about maple sugar candy, even if it is just a spread. It doesn’t matter that it didn’t come out how I originally intended. It’s beautiful, each bite a moment to savor, just like each precious blessing we have in our lives.
May all our happy thoughts help make the world the brighter place we know it can be.
Jenn Cuisine
Homemade Maple Cream
From Joy of Cooking
Ingredients:
- 475 mL (2 cups) pure maple syrup
Directions:
- In a large pot on low heat, bring maple syrup to 112 C (233 F) without stirring.
- Remove from heat, let cool without stirring to 43 C (110F).
- Use a wooden spoon and stir vigorously until the syrup turns opaque and starts to thicken. Pour into jars to finish cooling. Enjoy.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Delicious! That is something I would not be able to stop.
Lovely uplifting pictures.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks so much Rosa.
Lovely post, Jenn. I think everyone could use some perspective and a moment to remember that not all is lost, that there’s still some good out there
Thanks so much!
Such a sweet post, sweet thoughts, sweet recipe and soo sweet, breath taking pictures.
Thank you!
Lovely photos and an even lovelier message.
Thanks Barbara!
Beautiful post Jenn and indeed it does bring a little light to very bleak days indeed. Love the shots!
Thank you Simone!
Very uplifting and wise, Jenn. Thank you. I love maple syrup. But more than that, I love your reminder of the beauty, the charm, and the sweetness this world still offers.
Thank you so much, Laura.
This spread is even more simple than I thought! It looks and sounds lovely, Jenn, and it’s also a wonderful photo.
All your photos are beautiful! I especially admire the starry sky shot – that takes skill.
Thanks so much Zoe! Yeah, who knew that maple syrup can turn into such a delicious pale cream?
This looks yummy! Could you give me an idea how long (approximately) it takes to get to each of the temps listed? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? Just trying to figure that out in advance. Thanks!
I think it depends on how low your stovetop’s low heat is. With my stove it took a good hour to get up to temperature. and at least a good 30 min to cool down. But if you have thinner pans, it may cool faster, etc.
Thanks, Jenn. That gives me an idea what to expect!
Lovely, a very sweet message. There are indeed many things to be grateful for. I do love a one ingredient recipe, sounds divine!
Thank you so much Jayne.
Lovely, Jenn. Lovely. I’m in between a warm smile and tears. And I love the maple cream.
Thank you so much Jamie!
Love this post- found the recipe through Tastespotting and was very touched by your message and beautiful photos. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Sounds (and looks) delicious! Thanks for this recipe to sweeten up the day for everyone.
Thank you!
What a wonderful, uplifting post. I always say in times of tragedy that the living should reflect on what has happened, but we also have an obligation t keep on living and spread whatever positive energy we can in this world. Beautiful pics – is that Mr Jenncuisine in the early morning sun?? Also love that you used some pics of the P2P meals – such warm, happy memories. x
Thanks so much Jeanne, and yes it is
And yes to Plate to Page, warm happy memories indeed!
This sounds and looks very interesting. I love maple syrup so this just sounds heavenly.
thank you!
It’s crazy how just a collection of photos can provide so much inspiration. I guess it’s just having an image in front of you to point out and supplement things you already know
aww thanks so much!
Lovely post. Very uplifting and I’m looking forward to trying the maple cream.
Thanks El!
The spread looks delicious!!!! I just have two questions–should I store the spread in the refrigerator once I pour it into a mason jar, and about how long will it keep?
Thank you!!!!
Thanks – I did store it in the refrigerator since I have no clue how to do any canning processes (or even which foods would work ok for that). As for how long it will keep? I’m not sure… after about 2 weeks ours was all gone so at least that long…
{ 1 trackback }