Maine Maple Sunday is March 24 & Maple Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

The Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA) takes great pride in their members' product and this month, right before Maine Maple Sunday, they have launched a new website - www.mainemapleproducers.com. 

Maine Maple Sunday is held each March on the 4th Sunday and lots of sugarhouses offer activities and samples on the 4th Saturday, as well.

Visitors to the new website can search Maine Maple Sunday events by county or farm name on an interactive map of the state. The member directory is a great way to find local maple syrup farms and visit their websites.

The website also has a whole section devoted to recipes using Maine's maple syrup, including traditional favorites like old-fashioned baked beans and sugar on snow to elegant maple custard. 

The website also has a blog with a variety of articles relating to maple syrup, such as maple syrup's many health benefits, and links to the association's social media accounts. 

For more information on MMPA and the new website, please visit www.mainemapleproducers.com.

Maple Cream Cheese Spread

This is good on just about any bread, including bagels, and can also be used as icing. It’s particularly nice with carrot cake.

1/2 cup Maine maple syrup the dark kind is fine

6 ounces cream cheese

Let the cheese soften at room temperature. Put the syrup in a small pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat, until it is thickened to the texture of heavy honey about 235 degrees on a candy thermometer. Let it cool, stirring once or twice, then beat the sticky substance into the cream cheese. You must reduce the syrup before combining it with the cheese or the mixture will curdle and separate. Store refrigerated, tightly covered and it will keep a long time if it lasts.

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