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How to Make Maple Syrup Crystals

Growing crystals out of maple syrup is a perfect experiment to entertain children. It is simple and safe enough that they can do most of the hands-on work, and the end result will generate hours of excitement. Adults and parents also benefit from making maple crystals. These crystals can be replaced for sugar at any time. The maple flavor tastes great on baked pastries and hot beverages such as coffee or tea.

Things You'll Need

Baking pan
Water
Pure maple syrup
Small sauce pan
Spoon

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the bottom of a baking pan with water. The water does not need to be any deeper than 1/4 inch.
- 2
  Put the water in the freezer until it turns to solid ice.
- 3
  Pour 2 cups of pure maple syrup into a small sauce pan. Put the pan on the stove and set it to medium heat.
- 4
  Stir the syrup frequently while it heats up to prevent it from burning. Let the syrup cook until it has a thick, concentrated consistency. Remove from heat.
- 5
  Place the baking pan with ice on the counter.
- 6
  Drop small amounts of the hot syrup on the ice using a spoon. The rapid temperature change will cause the syrup to form crystals immediately.

Rocks & Minerals