
Shagbark Hickory
One of my favorite trees (yes, I have favorite trees) is the Shagbark Hickory.
This tree is unique in that the bark peels away from the tree. Large chunks of bark curl up and waay from the tree giving it a look of fringe.
If it is allowed, you can collect a few pieces of the bark to make a syrup. You’ll need about a ½ cup of shagbark hickory bark. Take the bark and gently scrub the lichens and other stuff off the outside of the bark. Break the bark into small pieces and put them in a stainless steel skillet with 2 cups of water. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Keep the water at a low boil until the water turns a coppery color.
When it gets to the rich coppery color take it off the heat and strain out the bark and bits. This is a lot easier to do if you line a strainer with coffee filters and place it above a heat safe bowl.
Take the liquid and guesstimate how much you have (or you could measure) now add about the same amount of sugar.
Boil until the liquid thickens to a somewhat syrup consistency.
Now you need pancakes to put the syrup on.