How to turn your next family meal into a feast worthy of a sugar shack
For family gatherings, a brunch is definitely the relaxed way to share a meal. But when you decide to bring the sugar shack home, your success is all but guaranteed.
Who doesn't love brunch? It's hard to say no to an informal meal that awakens the taste buds with a mix of sweet and salty flavours. The format is a good fit for everyone: the kids are well rested, and the grown-ups want nothing more than to ease into their day. With a bit of organization, even the hosts can relax and take their place at the table.
For the "sugar shack version," a brunch is even more convenient since all the dishes can be served at the same time right at the table. As for the menu, it practically plans itself: classic sugaring-off fare will give you all the inspiration you need. Bon appétit!
Our tips
- Seat up to six adults at the table. Plan on a seated brunch with another small table for the children, if possible. Otherwise, opt for a "brunch buffet."
- Decorate the table with rustic-style objects made of iron or wood. Cover the table with a checkered tablecloth, and serve pickled foods in Mason jars and the bread in wicker baskets.
- On a kitchen counter or side table, prepare a station for coffee, tea and juice where your guests can serve themselves anytime.
- Since your guests will likely arrive in dribs and drabs and hungry, arrange for some nourishment to sustain them until brunch: warm buns or muffins, fresh fruit on a platter or in a salad, yogurt drinks or chocolate milk for the kids, etc.
- Plan your menu by focusing on dishes that can be prepared in advance and can go directly from the fridge to the oven (such as a tourtière) or from the fridge to the table (such as a maple mousse).
- In addition to the essential maple syrup, don't forget to provide jams, jellies and compotes.
- For the rest, opt for sugar shack specialties that everyone knows and loves: maple-glazed sausages, baked beans, pea soup, omelettes, tourtière, maple ham, boiled potatoes, French toast, grilled bacon or lard, crepes, cretons, etc.
- For dessert, maple is king: doughnuts, maple syrup dumplings, walnut or sugar pie, maple fudge, maple mousse, etc.
Forget the Misosa: welcome your guests with an authentic kir instead! Combine 3.5 oz. of sparkling wine with 1.5 oz. of elderberry or blueberry syrup. Cheers!
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