Syrup Making...

This was an exciting experience for both me and Hallie. She enjoyed being outside in the cooler weather, and I was excited to learn about the syrup making process! This is a community event held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Paul's house in Grandbay, Alabama. The ladies make sausage and biscuits for everyone, while the men make syrup. Family members and friends bring their instruments, and they play and sing for entertainment. There are old cars too. It's a fun, community gathering where everyone enjoys theirselves and leaves with a jar of warm syrup in their hands!

So, here's how it works:

First, they feed the sugar cane through the machine.

This is what makes the machine work! A log connects a riding lawn mower to the machine. Throughout the day, people take turns going round-and-round on the lawn mower to press the sugar juice out of the cane.

This is the scrap that comes out on the other end.

The juice drains into this drum until it is filled.

Once the drum is full, they transfer it by tractor to the cooking station.

Filtering the juice into the cooker.

It looks like river water! ;)

The fire underneath.. helping heat the juice and thicken it to syrup!

Slowly, they cook the juice.

While waiting, they enjoy biscuits and sausage (cooked by the ladies), homemade candies, coffee...

...and even turnip greens! This was my first time to taste them! By the look and smell (yes, I'm one of THOSE who smells EVERYTHING first) I'm not sure how I liked them, but I did.

For entertainment, they listen to some southern gospel music!

Back to the syrup making process-- they use these instruments to check the thickness of the syrup.

Once its ready, they remove it from the heat.

Then, filter it into a pot.

And filter it AGAIN.

Then, the syrup is poured into a mason jar,...

...sealed, and labeled! We brought home two jars, one to give away and one to keep. Soon, I will make homemade biscuits to pour the cane syrup on! So, this post is to be continued...

PS. Here are pictures of Hallie enjoying the day outside!

She loves Papa, great-grandfather!

Intently, watching the machine press the juice from the sugar cane!

Asleep on Meme, great grandmother!

Sitting on Meme's lap, listening to the musicians play and sing.