Sugar on snow is a late winter/early spring tradition here in Vermont (the two seasons are essentially synonymous here, the first being the actual weather experience, the second being an optimistic weather-wish). You make this concoction by drizzling fresh maple syrup onto a scoop of snow. The essence of this treat is the opportunity created by the advent of sugaring season and the fact that there is still snow on the ground.
It's snowing today, I'm in bed with some kind of stomach bug, and, after looking with dismay at the crocodile skin on my dry legs, I've decided that a sugar scrub is in order. I'm told it's really easy to make, and I have all the ingredients, including some pure Mexican vanilla extract from our recent trip. Here's a recipe I created by combining several other recipes. I'm gonna try as soon as I feel better:
- 1 cup raw sugar, brown sugar or cane sugar, or a combo thereof
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup coconut oil (or avocado, almond or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp. raw honey
- Essential oil for fragrance, 5 to 10 drops, or 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. Vitamin E oil
- Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar. Scrub skin gently with the mixture and rinse well with warm water, followed by cool.