Making Spruce Tree Syrup and Waffles in the Mountains - Cooking with Alex Ep4

[@just_alex]

I'm so dumb I didn't even give you feedback on how the spruce syrup tasted... so here goes my best description... The syrup tasted nutty (I think from the caramelisation) the spruce needles made it slightly acidic and tangy. You know the smell that fills the room when you get your Christmas tree inside? Try to imagine that as a taste in your mouth... Oh dear, I need to get a proper food person to taste and describe my dishes for me! Anyway... Thanks for watching!

[@parklandpiker]

I recon it tasted fantastic,might even give it a go ...

[@virginiaroberts3367]

No you're not dumb. You taught us how to prepare spruce tree syrup. Probably some of us had never heard of spruce tree syrup. You're getting this cooking down to a fine art. The dish was a beautiful presentation. Thanks for the learning experience.

[@kieranarcher3601]

🤣👌

[@jacobymf2190]

Do you use an account called inbox me?

[@kieranarcher3601]

@@jacobymf2190 it’s a scammer , if u click on it , it has no subscribers , just block them mate

[@Foodiechef1235]

The one thing I’ve gotten out of your videos Alex is the happiness you exude. As a grandmother, it makes my heart proud to see you living your best life. Thank you. So proud of your accomplishments. Breakfast was a huge success. Because of you, I learned how to make spruce syrup. Who would have imagined!

[@just_alex]

Thank you. Happy to read this :)

[@Foodiechef1235]

Alex, I was wondering if you are selling your honey yet? I’m in Dallas Texas and would be willing to send Texas items. Thanks.

[@toughluck8012]

Wholesome

[@floppysquid2036]

He really is a wholesome, great guy

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@just_alex, are you considering becoming a compassionate VEGAN?

[@anugerahhakimi]

Hey Alex , im a 23 y/o dude and watching your videos gives me hope of where one day i will be able to travel to forest and mountains like those !

[@FishingAroundBudleigh]

So much content. You need to live there forever. So productive!

[@just_alex]

Haha yeah. No distractions here in the mountains!

[@FishingAroundBudleigh]

@@just_alex exactly! Full focus on videos. Must be lovely. But hard at the same time. Are you ok on your own still?

[@FishingAroundBudleigh]

@@just_alex Have you seen the scam account replying to your replies? I have reported 10 times. Hopefully they leave this channel alone!

[@connienana1623]

Hi Alex, I enjoy your videos so much. The fun, the learning and excitement of your exploring is awesome! I’m an old grandma and wish I could’ve explored life as you are doing. Keep going and enjoy!

[@LittleCabinintheYukon]

In the forest around our cabin we primarily have White Spruce. This year we noticed the tops of the spruce trees super loaded with cones. The squirrels have had no problem gathering their winter feed this year! As a kid, I used to help my granny make toffee using the same sugar-water method you used for your syrup. We added vanilla rather than spruce needles though. lol! Your waffle iron, I believe, was designed to use on a wood cookstove like you have there in the cabin. Back in the day. the round stove cover in the tops of the wood cookstoves were removed and the pot, waffle iron, frying pan, was placed directly over the fire. It allowed whatever you were cooking to have a higher heat. I have one quite like yours that I use on. my wood cookstove.

[@Jarsin09RC]

Two videos in two days I’m loving this content, I honestly don’t know how you haven’t got a million subs already but I know it’s coming already!

[@josefamilia3558]

Keep going you have got something special in you ❤

[@kerrkristie]

As always, best partis feeling your joy on doing it 💕 thank you for beeing you

[@b.worthi1555]

Thank you for making the spruce syrup. I loved watching the foraging for the spruce needles - that looks fun.

[@ringerheringa3052]

Another half hour very well spent! Fantastic video as always, Alex! A big THUMBS UP!

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@katerachel-boslem3153]

Another FANTASTIC Video Alex...as a Teacher I'm very impressed by the way you explain things such as the chewy sweet which has more water in it than hard caramel which has very little water. A great but simple explanation. YOU are doing a great job and I hope your Mum & Dad are SUPER PROUD of YOU🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@just_alex]

Thank you! Happy to hear that from a teacher!

[@katerachel-boslem3153]

I don't know how to inbox you on telegram...apologies

[@Mariec-e3h]

That place is so peaceful, I love choices of your travel thank you ❤

[@erinreiss9507]

Greetings from California, USA. Thanks for the videos! Keep up the great work.

[@kieranarcher3601]

That first attempt at making the waffles 🧇 had me crying 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@just_alex]

😂 it was a disaster haha

[@mecker]

Me too 😅😅 so funny - would look the same with me though 🙈

[@kieranarcher3601]

@officialjustalex. go away scammer ! Pri@k 🤛

[@sarahp1383]

Beautifully explained the different stages of caramelization, and the difference that toasted almonds can make to any dish. Loved watching the runny spruce -infused caramel syrup coating the banana chunks and drizzled over the golden brown waffles. Indeed there can be nothing more cheery than making this very satisfying breakfast inside a cost hut, while outside it is freezing cold. Thank you for a very informative and enjoyable video.

[@just_alex]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed! :)

[@hnm9678]

Chill the bananas first so the syrup hardens right away. Also make sure the bananas are submerged when coating. I will make them myself soon.

[@lelandpeck4585]

That was amazing, Alex. Very interesting how you collected the spruce branches and ended up with Spruce syrup. Your waffles looked delicious. Made my mouth water just watching you eat. Thanks for sharing.

[@just_alex]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@RyanJudd-es5qw]

quick id for spruce....the needles are square in cross section and will roll between your fingers easily. Fir are flat and sort of "winged" and don't roll easily. Try it and it will make more sense.

[@veironik9]

Being more of a mountain person, I find that mountain forests are probably the most beautiful places on Earth. I can’t wait to go hiking next summer. I really enjoyed this episode and I will definitely try making this syrup in the future! The food looked really delicious and you did a really great job with the thumbnail. Breathtaking view…🏔❤

[@learnalwaysstayhumble7354]

You can eat yew berries, but NOT the pip inside them. They are delicious, just spit the pip. Yew foliage becomes more poisonous once cut! (I don't recommend eating straight from the tree, or trimmings! Just a fun fact.)

[@mrgrumpy70]

Love the freestyle. No cream or ice-cream? Edit: Suggestion is you hunt, skin and cook a rabbit/pigeon/hare etc.

[@joaofonseca5770]

Just amazing as always!! Keep inspiring all of us to get out of our comfort zone and truly live mate!!

[@just_alex]

Thanks João :)

[@doodmayne7535]

Im born and raised in Alaska, there is nothing like being in nature/ the wild. Literally nothing heals or fulfills the soul like being in beautiful nature.

[@nataliamodiodio]

its so funny to see you walk through all these short doorways all the time 😂

[@mairaa9184]

As a villager in Malaysia, foraging food in the forest is one of my favorite too. Sometime I just got caried away...resulting to retun home quite late and exhausted....and also almost starving. The best part of your videos are the foraging in the forest. And you also have a great sense of humor. Love it.♥️👍

[@just_alex]

Thanks! Yes foraging can pass time so easily, it's so much fun! Happy to hear you enjoy the videos!

[@IntrinsicPalomides]

You're making me hungry Alex! :) Thanks for another great upload, it looks amazing out there.

[@rose-maryvictory8560]

You are absolutely brilliant Alex, we just love watching you! Keep going!! xx

[@just_alex]

Thank you!

[@rebeccazahn5299]

I love your exploration of so many things, and your learning of the scientific details about those things. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@rickyjessome4359]

Great video Alex. Spruce syrup is really good. And the smell of it being boiled is amazing. I remember growing up my best friends father had peppermint spruce trees growing. And every Christmas his mother would put a big pot of needles on and boil them. Thanks for the great video Alex. Cheers 🍻

[@marialorenavillanueva5342]

Oh wow..love..love the video!

[@sunnyrivers]

Enjoyed this Alex‼️🧇🌲

[@TT-id3dp]

loving the hut!

[@cjshake]

Wow very fascinating! I may have to give this a try!

[@kerrkristie]

"In an angle, is kind of artistic" - the description of my life😅

[@amdo5873]

How about some winter mushrooms,e.g. Oyster mushroom, Enoki and wood ear. Though they grow on other trees like Beech,Wicker or Elder not on spruce.

[@MNIU_]

I’ve been cooking since I was 5 and it’s absolutely hilarious hearing you say “ apparently it’s called caramelization” and how astounded you were 😂 I never realized how technical cooki was until I met someone who literally didn’t know how to cook and I tried to explain to them how to boil water to boil eggs As an fyi to make soft caramel you would need is caramelization but more of a candy type your final product looks good , I’ve never thought about making an actual syrup for waffles but have thought about making a simple syrup.. I can cook but baking, candy making and pastries grilling, fermenting, dehydrating , preserving …. I’ve mastered stovetop cooking I’m working on preserving now so I can know how to preserve harvests when I get into gardening (which is how I came by your video)

[@jeramie5669]

Well done👌. Another productive day.

[@jeramie5669]

Try cooking beef/chicken stew. Something that will warm you up😊

[@ChrisRobins-c6f]

Loved this video, so interesting.

[@mariesheppard3750]

Wow great waffles and syrup looked good enought to eat LOL

[@baldvale5418]

I can see your being a Chef at this rate Alex, your attitude, the way you look at food is very creative & thought provoking. Suggestion for your next cook up just look in the Barn next door ; ) All the best.

[@TheJimcrooks800]

The spruce syrup turned out really well - as diid your latter waffles. Good way to fill some time - experimenting with sweet food to eat. The caramel-coated bananas looked great too Alex. Enjoy your culinary excursions!

[@Nitzagoat]

can you do a video about blueberris and what plants you need to plant that are good for beekiping ?

[@jaynedavis3388]

Stick a toothpick in each segment of banana before dipping. My mum used to make toffee caramel 😋

[@deividas_kimontas]

Stunning location! Great content Alex! 👌

[@TheNails3]

Absolutely loved this... your videos are wonderful, and the way you decorated the dish at the end was so lovely

[@odilegabayengel4192]

That was looking yummy ! I need to try this spruce tree syrup one day, looks appealing to me. And of course, now I am hungry ! Thanks Alex for sharing !

[@lucyjones9350]

Great video as always Alex!

[@ChefsPinch]

"let's make another one'" 😂 keep up the great work :)

[@emiliagonzalez5622]

amo cada uno de tus videos Alex, me inspiran y me hacen muy feliz, es increíble como con cada uno de ellos aprendo cosas muy interesantes

[@benmccaskey3940]

Let the caramel go hard and then blend it to a dust, then keep it air/moisture tight. When you need it dip the bananas in and blowtorch them to caramelise… this will be the best way for even caramelisation

[@trevorcornes1056]

Looks lovely Alex . Very nice 👍

[@ruchiramunjal6061]

Amazing Vlog !! Great Valuable Information Shared Alex .

[@dale918]

Loving your videos mate, living the life I've always wanted ❤

[@ms.farmgirl]

Alex,, Happy your throat is sounding better. You are such an inspiration [Mentor] for others to get motivated into pushing themselves into other possibilities. Well done!! Your calendar says you are on day 15. The halfway mark. And you survived just fine without Carl.. lol. Also,, you can make Almond Syrup the same way, but replace the spruce stems with almonds. IT's even better if you add a splash of vanilla extract in! I love it in coffee! Thank you for the video!! Bless!

[@just_alex]

Yeah it’s a lot better after a regular dose of lemon and honey water. :) Interesting! Will have to try almond syrup!

[@beautylovewisdom8032]

Love trees, love green, love mountains! Going to make these for my husband's birthday - he loves waffles. I'll add blueberries. I've watched two of your videos and subscribed. Keep it up!!🏵

[@just_alex]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it! :)

[@jamesatkinsfishing]

well done Alex another brilliant video, Thank you 👍👍

[@just_alex]

Thanks for watching :)

[@carlos.8569]

I’m loving your videos, thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@just_alex]

Thanks for watching!

[@hitman5744]

Love this kinda vids bro keep doing this :))

[@fishingbrigade]

for the next cooking .... Kaiserschmarn :-)

[@mercury6434]

I love this, I wanna try and make this syrup. Nice!

[@tedpreston4155]

Mmmm. Now you're making me want to try toasted almonds, coated in spruce caramel. I'm thankful to have a spruce tree right outside the door! Off to the kitchen! I've seen many recipes using spruce needles, including ale, which is delicious. Oddly, I've never seen any recipes using fir needles. Now I'm curious whether fir tastes bad. Both fir and spruce grow in our local forests, often side by side. The easiest way to distinguish them is by grabbing a branch, and pulling toward the tips. The feel is very different: spruce needles are both pointy and stiff, while fir needles are very soft and less prickly. Here's a suggestion for coating your bananas with caramel: oil a plate, and then pour a thin coating of hot caramel onto the plate, then set the banana slices into the caramel. Now, pour more hot caramel from the pan on top of the bananas to cover them, so that the caramel runs over the top and pours down over the sides of each banana slice. Place the plate in the freezer briefly until the caramel hardens and becomes brittle. When it cools, you can break the pieces apart, and save any bits of the caramel that break free from the bananas. These bits of broken caramel will make a nice addition of both flavor and texture when sprinkled over your waffles, and many other foods as well.

[@anitaschneider1704]

Hi from Canada .....would love to see u try Crab stuffed mushroom caps Alex

[@just_alex]

This sounds good! 😊

[@christopherjames2825]

Great video Alex ❤

[@ihvegreynwhitematter]

Happiness when you upload often 🌲🌲🌲

[@keithlaurence7402]

I'm sitting up in bed watching this and I'm hungry now. 😲 Definitely going to try the syrup. Fingers crossed I don't get arrested for cutting the tips off of the Christmas trees in my local garden centre. 😂😂😂 Warning: Caramelised sugar it extremely hot!!! If you lick the spoon after stirring it it will take the skin off your tongue (I've done it 😱) and it sticks like glue. Nasty stuff until it cools down. In fact, anything with molten sugar in it. Jam making is the same.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Excellent 👍👍

[@TLFaun]

'This white sugar ... Tastes like sugar.' - Alex 2022

[@just_alex]

Think before you speak Alex 😂

[@mussdem]

As a Canadian I was expecting a very different method of making syrup, looks delicious though!

[@just_alex]

I would love to make maple syrup also!

[@magnusmagen4658]

i love your style of vlogs

[@marklilly1877]

Hi Alex, I would like to see you cooking jacket potatoes in the wood burner I have one and I struggle to cook them cheers mate take care ,

[@leiaalegado4720]

❤❤❤❤ i love your breakfast.alex

[@rimajaro]

I love how you are so open to trying new things. Have you ever tried making aebelskivers? They are little Danish pancake balls. Very tasty, yum!

[@just_alex]

No never tried them! Will have to though!

[@mairaa9184]

Very enjoyable one. The crunchiness sound of the caramelized banana you made is tantalizing....yummy! Got to try it. Btw, I am watching from Malaysia.😍

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@alanhougham4068]

So much waffle! 😂 Absolutely brilliant Alex. Great content. 👍

[@dale918]

Toss the bananas in the caramel and drain the excess on a wire rack 👌

[@egg750]

You got me on the munchies now 😋 nice one Alex....wish I was there !!!!! Keep up the good work my friend

[@sylviapenner8947]

Great video. Just a suggestion to try. If you separate your eggs and fold in the whites at the end it should make the waffles lighter and fluffier.

[@just_alex]

Thanks :)

[@Kpelk69]

Great job Alex... Love your videos. From My Dora, Florida

[@halfdan2592]

Hi Just tried to make the sirup. Tasted so great!! Thanks for the recipe.

[@alanday5255]

If you also get the new baby tips, you can make a fun tea.

[@foxfod80]

To it or to it not, there is no try. Some wise (Green) man said. I think you doing great alex!

[@nonsense9202]

Looks a little bit better than the last concoction!.🤣🤣

[@matthewharty6531]

yes

[@PaulCapello]

Us GenX having So much fun watching GenY discover shyte we've known for years in real time. 🤣 we were taught sugars in kindergarten in 1971. They had us making caramel in class in beakers over Bunson burners.

[@enricolovadina3560]

Very interesting , love you video ..

[@celestep157]

I cut myself off before I was finished . Anyway , good on you . I am much more cheerful after any video you do . Thank you .

[@marijnb2559]

I would like to suggest some kind of local wild game for a future cooking vid:) Love these series👌🙂

[@tomc6003]

Very very good, enjoyed this one and made me very hungry. I think you should try a slow cook in the oven inside, don't get it too hot. Do a nice stew or something, or a big bit of meat finished over coals.

[@hempseedaddict]

Suddenly reminded of Calvin's magic discovery of putting bread into a slot and pulling out toast...

[@kalle9643]

Some fun and maybe useful fact since you are into beekeeping Caramelised sugar is actually poisonous to bees.

[@just_alex]

Oh wow! That is interesting! Amazing what heat can do! I guess it’s important not to heat sugar syrup too much!

[@tommmmmmmmmmmmmm]

Hey Alex, me and my girlfriend love watching your videos, you make us laugh and smile all the time. Suggestions on what to cook: A wood fired pizza from scratch like you did in Italy or a spaghetti carbonara! Keep up the content man!

[@just_alex]

Happy to hear that! I'll definitely try pizza again! :)

[@tommmmmmmmmmmmmm]

@@just_alex We love your videos, they were some of the inspiration in buying our own VW Caddy and doing it out into a camper. Maybe one day we'll see you around when we're both on adventures! Keep safe!

[@Randomstuff-ri8mk]

Very good video!!

[@rebeccadefiesta513]

I'm not just having fun watching it I learned something new at the same time ☺️ .showed how you making waffles I believe the saying try and try and yeah you see how far you get🤣 perfect waffle 😍😋

[@guttersnipe3246]

Add butter and cream to your melted sugar and you have a sauce to die for

[@Francois_Dupont]

Sucre en Creme?

[@sherg22]

Would like to see you cook with the chef again but with you both trying to find food and then going from there. Fantastic watch again

[@sturoe7361]

Not sure if any pine will do, but you should try pine needle tea,

[@liamburnes845]

Great watch as always 👌

[@just_alex]

Cheers Liam!

[@matiasleppanen6856]

Really love watching ur videos!

[@guttersnipe3246]

That's such a beautiful place coming back to live in the UK is going to be such a struggle possibly 😫 anyway keep up the great work 👏