Maple syrup oozing slowly over a buttery stack of pancakes. Maple icing on a donut. Maple charcoal simmering beneath your favorite smoked meats. MAPLE CANDY!!!!

Maple is considered a tonewood, meaning iit carries sound waves well. A rich, glorious music emanates from maple violins, violas, cellos, and woodwind instruments. Sugar Maple is a hard wood used for bowling pins, pool cue shafts, gymnasium floors, butcher’s blocks, and fine woodworking. There’s a touch of maple in many things, even in this Canadian whiskey I am sipping. Maybe you prefer Tennessee, we won't tell. It's all touched by maple.

Then, of course, there’s the beauty of the maple tree itself, from its blossoms in early spring -- offering nectar to bustling bees -- to the whispered rustle of its cool and soothing summertime shade. Perhaps the maple tree shines best in autumn as its leaves explode into a fiery inferno of reds, yellows, and orange. The maple leaf is on the coat-of-arms of Canada, and on the Canadian flag. The maple is a symbol of strength and endurance, and has been chosen as the national tree of Canada.

There is indeed a touch of maple in many things you love. Then again, you’re probably still thinking about that thick maple syrup sliding down your breakfast pancakes, waffles, or French Toast...