Measure the maple syrup into a small mixing bowl. Sift the confectioners' sugar to remove lumps (or process it in a food processor until smooth).
Add the sifted confectioners' sugar one tablespoon at a time, stirring until smooth. Knead in more or less sugar, as needed, to make the candy stiff, kneading until smooth.
Shape into small balls and roll in the chopped nuts. Finely chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios or macadamia nuts can all be used and make for nice variations.
Allow to chill on wax paper. Store in a cool dry place in an air-tight container. They can be placed in candy papers (similar to muffin papers and available at craft stores) or wrapped in colorful foils after they harden if they are to be given as gifts.
These maple cream candies may be left as they are, or can be dipped in tempered or dipping chocolate or white chocolate bark flavored with a few drops of mapleine or maple flavored whiskey (which may optionally be added to the sugar mixture as well).
Submitted by: CM
