While spring brings us flowers, rainy days, much-missed sunshine and warmer weather, it also brings us delicious, sweet and healthy maple syrup.
While maple syrup and pancakes are as famous a pair as peanut butter and jelly, this sweet condiment is more than just a sugary treat. True maple syrup has antioxidant minerals and important health properties that are now being embraced by more and more people. As well, maple syrup works beautifully in many savory dishes, dressings, and even as an addition to other condiments! So consider making it maple for dinner rather than breakfast with some of these ideas.
Dressings
With the warmer weather comes more of a desire for lighter foods and creative salads. Maple syrup makes an excellent addition to your homemade dressings, acting as that sweet agent to contrast more savory flavors such as balsamic vinegar. A little oil, perhaps even a touch of Dijon, and you have a unique vinaigrette that goes perfect on a mixed green salad with perhaps the added sweetness of a seasonal fruit. Or add some fresh herbs or other flavors to your mix including cilantro, garlic, or even lime juice. Switch it up by changing the vinegar flavor to raspberry, cider or red wine. Or get creative with your salad ingredients, opting for a unique bean salad over the standard lettuce. The beautiful thing about homemade vinaigrette dressings is the ability to get creative on your part and maple syrup certainly brings a new, healthier element than simple sugar.
Vegetables
Can’t get the kids to eat their carrots? A little maple syrup and butter glaze on top and you’ll have them asking for more. Caramelized maple syrup or glaze is often used with root vegetables, including squash and sweet potatoes. A light glaze on Brussels sprouts makes them more palatable to picky eaters. Roast your vegetables with a maple syrup glaze then create fantastic soups. Don’t be put off by its sweet reputation: maple syrup actually adds a richness that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Maple-Beet Sauce for Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Celery Root, Squash and Apple Soup with Maple Allspice Sour Cream
Pork & Beef
With barbecue season just ahead, make sure to stock up on your syrup supply. Combine a little onion, vinegar, chili pepper, syrup and Worcestershire sauce for a great pork gravy. Glaze your next roast with a little red wine, maple syrup, garlic, balsamic and Dijon. Coat the spareribs with a mixture of maple syrup, ketchup, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and grill. Put the commercial barbecue sauce away and make your own maple-inspired marinade. There are many maple barbecue sauce recipes to choose from, combining other flavors such as Soya sauce, ginger, bourbon, garlic and more. The mixture of maple with a little bit of spice such as chili or garlic really adds a bite to your meat.
Maple Glazed Peameal with Rosti
Chicken
Maple syrup acts as a great ingredient for Asian-themed meals as well. The Soya sauce and maple combination with a little garlic and ginger is a very popular marinade. Add a bit of citrus flavor such as lemon or orange for a bit of zing or a little sesame oil to add more Asian flare. These flavor combinations work well for roasted chicken, chicken wings, or for the barbeque.
Grilled Stuffed Chicken
Seafood
When it comes to seafood, maple syrup can really perk up your fish. Try cooking fresh bay scallops with bacon marinated in maple syrup, butter and thyme. Enjoy a nice slice of salmon with a little Soya sauce or mustard and syrup marinade. For those looking for a little summer kick, maple whiskey salmon is a great barbecue treat.
Maple Syrup Smoked Trout
Marinated Trout with Sea Salt and aged Maple Syrup Eau-de-Vie
Breads, Pastas & Side Dishes
A little butternut squash ravioli with a cream maple syrup garlic sauce makes for a different dinner. A hint of syrup gives cornbread a sweet twist. But the absolute favorite when it comes to maple syrup and savory side dishes is baked beans. Forget the molasses! Instead, make homemade baked beans with maple syrup and bacon and you’ve got a definite crowd pleaser on your hands. Baked beans made with maple syrup make for a great brunch dish, or a fabulous side dish for a range of meals.
Condiments
The beautiful thing about maple syrup is the ability to turn ordinary condiments into exceptional ones with just a hint of its flavor. Make your own mayonnaise with a hint of maple and touch of paprika for something different. Add some syrup to your next homemade gravy for either meat or chicken dishes. Allow yourself to experiment.
Put away the sugar this spring and summer and instead, opt for a little bit of mineral-rich maple syrup as a sweetener. With such versatility and its great pairing with many flavors, this natural product should be a staple in every home. From the darker grade syrup to the lighter version, check your local farmer’s markets for the latest crop this spring.