By Robert Matsumura, For The Clipper Times
Each spring, as snow melts away and days grow longer, a time-honored tradition commences in the northeastern forests of North America. Maple syrup season, a period both laborious and sweet, is an enduring celebration of nature, history, and culinary delight.
THE ROOTS OF MAPLE SYRUP
Long before colonists arrived in North America from Europe, the indigenous peoples, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe, were the first to tap sugar maple trees for their sap. Legend has it that a hunter’s wife accidentally discovered the process of boiling sap into syrup after using tree sap instead of water for cooking venison. The sweet aroma and taste were a revelation. Over the years, indigenous communities developed various techniques for collecting and processing sap, in-
cluding the use of hollowed-out logs and hot stones for boiling. The sap’s nutritional value was also recognized as a vital energy source after long winters.
SAP TO SYRUP: A STICKY PROCESS
The transformation of sap into syrup is an art steeped in both tradition and science. As winter gives way to spring, sugar maple trees store starch in their roots. As the days warm and the nights cool, this starch converts to sugar, causing the sap to flow. February through April are typically the ideal months for the harvesting of sap. Harvesting sap involves tapping the trees by drilling small holes. Next, spouts are inserted to direct the liquid into buckets or tubing systems. A single tree yields 10 to 20 gallons of sap, but it takes approximately 40 gallons to produce just one gallon of syrup. The sap is boiled down in a sugarhouse where the water evaporates, leaving behind that golden, sticky
See MAPLE MAGIC page 7
Shrimp with Polenta Ingredients
Directions
Polenta
Whisk water, cornmeal, salt and bay leaf in saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring bottom and sides often.
Reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally until thickened, about 40 minutes.
Remove and cover.
Shrimp
Heat oil, garlic and red pepper in deep skillet over mediumlow heat. Stir occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add wine. Bring to a simmer over medium-high; stir occasionally until reduced by half. Add stock. Return to simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Add shrimp, zest and salt. Cook until shrimp are slightly opaque, about 4 minutes.
Stir in butter and half the parsley. Once butter melts, remove from heat. Cover and steam shrimp until just cooked, about 2 minutes.
Divide polenta among bowls; top each with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with rest of parsley.
By Justin Andress
For The Clipper Times
When imagining an antique mall, most people picture a dimly lit room crammed with dusty bric-a-brac. Picasso’s Art and Antiques in Forest Grove is challenging that cliche by building a family-friendly gallery and antique mall accessible to all comers. Since last March, Casey Truman has owned Picasso’s Art and Antiques, and business is going well. The gallery
and antique mall has quickly become a welcome part of the community; it’s the realization of a family calling. When he was younger, Truman’s older brother, Lloyd, was an antiques fan. That enthusiasm was contagious, says Truman. “I got to follow my big brother around, you know, in and out of the antique malls and stuff when I was younger. I’ve always had a passion for it.”
As he makes good on
that long-time dream, Truman and his family have introduced a unique shopping experience to Forest Grove and the surrounding areas. Indeed, Truman takes pride in operating a “true family-owned store … at any given time, you can see my kids here.” Picasso’s Art and Antiques is a beautiful, welcoming space. At just under 4,000 square feet, the gallery and antique mall is home to a variety of treasures that are just
waiting to be discovered. Moreover, Truman has gone to great lengths to ensure that anyone interested can sift through the offerings at Picasso’s. Indeed, the entire
store is ADA Accessible. “I want to make sure that anybody that’s in a wheelchair can easily access all the booths,” says Truman. Visitors to Picasso’s Art and Antiques will appreciate the easy access to all the goodies. The space is chock full of antique jewelry, vintage clothing, rugs, rocks, minerals, mid-century modern furniture, and, of course, a collection of work from the area’s most esteemed artists.
“We have gorgeous art from all over the world, and we have a lot of local artists on display as well,” says Truman. The gallery owner is committed to helping local artists find an audience.
Local artists consigning original art pay half the consignment fees of other vendors because Truman likes to support the art community in any way he can. “I think a lot of artists are underpaid for their time.”
There are plenty of reasons to visit Picasso’s Art
and Antiques beyond the great shopping. The gallery makes sure to provide plenty of reasons to stop by. They make efforts to get involved in community events, like Forest Grove’s Wine Walk, and they’re also in the process of organizing regular events that originate in the gallery.
“Forest Grove has always had a spot in my heart,” says Truman. “I’ve always liked it.” That love for his community and his business shines through clearly. Whether you’re hunting for a unique treasure, admiring local art, or just soaking in the welcoming atmosphere, visiting Picasso’s Art and Antiques is sure to be a memorable experience. Visit Picaaso’s Art & Antiques at 2038 Pacific Avenue in Forest Grove. 503-830-0117
sweetness we love to slather on waffles and pancakes!
A GLOBAL TREASURE WITH LOCAL ROOTS
Although the majority of maple syrup production derives from Canada and the United States, this delicacy has won fans worldwide. Quebec alone accounts for roughly 70 percent of the world’s maple syrup, so it’s no surprise that the province treats it like liquid gold, even maintaining a “Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve” to stabilize prices and supplies. Over the years, maple syrup has evolved from a beloved pancake topping to a versatile ingredient in gourmet cuisine, cocktails, and even skincare products. Not only is it a symbol of sustainability and seasonality, it is rooted in respect for the environment and the intricate relationship between people and the land.
SWEET TRADITIONS
Maple syrup season is
also a period of community celebration. Across maple-producing regions, sugar shacks (or “cabane à sucre” in French) welcome in the public, providing tours, tastings, and traditional meals featuring maple syrup-infused dishes. From syrup on snow to smoky maple bacon, these gatherings foster both camaraderie and an appreciation for culinary creations featuring maple syrup as the star.
A TASTE OF HISTORY
More more than just a harvest, maple syrup season is a living link to centuries of tradition. Every drop of syrup bears the essence of the forests, the ingenuity of indigenous peoples, and the labor of those who continue the craft today. So the next time you drizzle maple syrup over your pancakes, savor the story behind the sweetness. It’s a flavor that connects us to the past, celebrates the present, and promises a delicious future.
TRIVIA
1. THE MAN BEHIND THE HOLIDAY:
St. Patrick wasn’t actually born in Ireland. Which country was he born in?
2. THE ORIGINAL COLOR
What was the original color associated with St. Patrick before green became the symbol of the holiday?
A. Blue
B. Red
C. Yellow
3. A PARADING TRADITION
The first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t happen in Ireland. Which country hosted the first recorded parade in 1601?
4. A NATION’S HOLIDAY
Which country recognizes St. Patrick’s Day as an official public holiday?
A. United States
B. Canada
C. Ireland
5. A LUCKY SYMBOL
According to legend, St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain what religious concept?
6. GREEN RIVER MYSTERY
Which U.S. city is famous for dyeing its river green every year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
7. A DRINKING TRADITION
On St. Patrick’s Day, approximately how many pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide?
A. 3 million
B. 7 million
C. 13 million
8. SNAKE MYTH
According to legend, St. Patrick is credited with driving what out of Ireland?
9. THE POT OF GOLD
According to folklore, where does a leprechaun hide its gold?
10. IRISH OR NOT?
Roughly what percentage of Americans claim Irish ancestry?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 20%
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
(Answer appears elsewhere in this
SUDOKU by Margie E. Burke
Reel Movie Reviews
Women to Watch
By Donovan Darling, For The Clipper Times Barbie (2023)
“Because Barbie can be anything, women can be anything.”
Maybe the most impactful movie about women in the last decade, especially due to its metafiction and bluntness, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” unapologetically addresses women’s issues and has a blast doing it. Full of clever humor, emotional depth, and social commentary galore, Barbie has an existential crisis and embarks on an adventure of self-discovery while battling the patriarchy in the real world and
back at home. Ken, meanwhile, reconciles his own identity and what it means to be a patriarchal man, diving deep into stereotypes and fur coats. It’s otherworldly and gorgeously designed, funny, tender, and an unflinching look at the issues women face today. Starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, and more. Rated PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language.
The Color Purple
(1989)
“Until you do right by me, everything you think about is going to crumble.”
Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the 2023 musical adaptation of The Color Purple follows a group of Black women in the early 20th century South. The story follows Celie, who transcends her oppression through self-empowerment, highlighting the importance of sisterhood, resilience, and the transformative power of love. This movie deals with Black women’s struggle against systemic racism and sexism, especially the importance of reclaiming your voice and identity. The relationships between the women, like Celie, Shug Avery, and Sofia, show how strength can
be found in solidarity and support. Starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, and more. Rated PG-13 for mature themes and violence — older teens and adults are recommended.
Little Women
(2019)
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it.”
The 2019 adaptation from Greta Gerwig of -
fers a fresh take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 19th century novel. The movie explores themes of female independence, artistic aspirations, and what society expected of women at the time, especially marriage and financial security. The story follows the ups and downs of the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy — especially the tension between their dreams and social norms. Jo pursues a writing career, resisting traditional gender roles for her own autonomy and self-expression — women were expected to be homemakers, not artists or careerwomen. Starring Saoirse
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Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and more. Rated PG for mature themes and brief smoking. International Women’s Day celebrates progress in gender equality while highlighting ongoing challenges and inspiring action. Originating in the early 20th century, it now features global events like marches and social media campaigns advocating for women’s rights. The holiday promotes empowerment, representation, and breaking biases, encouraging everyone to support women and foster a more inclusive society.
