We are going tree on tree with this one for a more foresty experience. Instead of sugar, try using maple syrup. The result should be soft, sticky pine cones that you can pop in your mouth and eat. Right after you make them, the pine flavor can be intense, so you can also give them a few pulses in the blender and use smaller pieces. They make an amazing garnish on cupcakes along with a pine tip, dotted on oatmeal, or placed in the center of thumbprint cookies.
Yield about 3 cups
12 cups water
2 1/2 cups small green pine cones, washed, and wood ends snipped off
2 cups maple syrup
In a small pot over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the pine cones. When the resin floats to the top, skim it off and continue boiling, about 10 minutes.
Strain out the water, discard, and set aside the boiled pine cones. Add 4 cups of fresh water to the pot and bring to a boil. Return the pine cones to the pot and boil for another 10 minutes. Scoop off any resin. Strain the pine cones and set aside.
Repeat this process a third time. Scoop, strain, and for the final time, let cool and soften.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the pine cones and the maple syrup and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Then simmer [CW1] on low for 20 minutes.
Store with syrup in a clean, lidded jar in a cool, dry place.
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