Written by Evelyne of Cheap Ethnic Eatz.

The end of winter in Quebec means more than the prayed for spring arrival and snow-melting sun. It is also the call to re-energies our bodies. And what better way to do that than with a giant Quebec maple syrup sugar rush! At this time of year families, friends and co-workers flock in groups to their favorite Sugar Shack to partake in an orgy of sweet calories, traditional Quebec music and dancing.

I highly recommend you experience this at least once in your life But if you can’t it is not so difficult to recreate in your own home. Below are the quintessential traditional recipes to get your meal going. Other foods you can add to the feast are pickled beets and small onions, home-made bread, an oven baked omelet, a meat pie, a meat ball stew, roasted potatoes, a maple ham and pancakes. After that just invite everyone you know and make sure you have a gallon of maple syrup to drench all the food in!

Written by Liliana of My Cookbook Addiction.

When the winter temperature gets warmer during the day and freezing at night, it is a sure sign of the beginning of the maple syrup season in Quebec. This is the ideal temperature to ensure the sap flow. The province of Quebec in Canada is the world’s largest maple syrup producer.

A Visit to the Gallant Maple Pavilion

During the maple syrup season, it is a Quebec tradition that has sugar shacks or ‘cabanes à sucre' offer maple syrup meals as well as maple syrup products to the public.

It is an event that brings family and friends together for an afternoon for the sweet celebration of spring.

One of my favourite ‘cabanes à sucre' is the Gallant Maple Pavilion located in Rigaud, Quebec which was constructed from the trees that were salvaged from the 1998 ice storm.