Critical Moment

Other People may have their own Opinions on this subject, but since this is our Blog and I am the Principal Writer, here goes...

In my opinion, the most critical moment of Molasses Making is determining when the Batch is done. Certainly, a whole series of Critical Moments has occurred up until this time: planting, just the right amount of Heat and Water, standing tall through Storms, Folks to do the Work at just the right time. But the Success of the Batch boils down to determining that precise Moment when it is done.

I remember that 1st year we made Molasses, we were all standing about twiddling our thumbs in wonderment when that Moment would come. The Boys' Mother had always made that call. She was not there. How would we know "when it was done"? After 6 Seasons, the dynamic at that moment is still intense, the questions are still present but the factors are more known.

As it has evolved, most of the Folks are standing around the Pan as that Moment of Completion is near. It is a moment of great anticipation. Typically the Men are tending the Fire and the Pan. They routinely hold up the Skimmers to watch the Syrup drip and then sheet off the side.

As that Moment is nearing, Melanie quickly goes to the house to get a Saucer and Spoon. When she returns, the hot rich Syrup is drizzled onto the Plate. Melanie walks around the Pan and heads straight for Deleta. Between the 2 of them (sometimes with others, like Connie, gathered near), they note Consistency, Color, Taste.

The Pan Tenders are increasingly urgent. However, the Women are making the call. In previous years, the Men have sometimes removed the Pan too quickly. On one occasion, Deleta had to recook the Batch inside on the Stove because it was too thin. Recooking 12-14 Gallons of Syrup is no small task. While the Men are closest to the Pan and are most concerned about the Syrup sticking, it is the Women who cook with it on countless occasions over the coming Months. It is the Women who intimately know its Characteristics from Practical Use.

Melanie and Deleta tested the Syrup about 4-5 times on the occasion of 2009 Batch 1. At that last test, the Syrup simultaneously sheeted from Richard's Skimmer. The Batch was done. The 4 Men who would carry it off were already in their Places with their Right or Left Hands in Thick Leather Gloves to protect them from the Heat. As the Pan was carefully settled into its place off the Furnace, Hollis was "throwing the Syrup" with a Skimmer to cool it down. Sugary Solutions tend to continue to cook. The intention is to stop it at that moment of perfection in whatever Humanly way we can.

In discussing this with Melanie, she said, "It's the Cook's Call." Generally, the Women are the Cooks who will work with it countless times in the coming Months. Plus, the Women have long histories of making Candy, Preserves, Jelly. All those experiences factor into that critical decision at hand.

I find this time of decisionmaking as one of the most Magical of the whole process. In this case, 16 Gallons were boiling "at Frog Eye", the Syrup was thick, the color was that lovely deep Gold. The Men's Voices over the Pan were nervous, as they were fearful it might stick. The Women's Voices are quiet and analytical. They prevail.