Top 6 Maple Syrup Recipes to Celebrate Maple Syrup Season
With a maple leaf right in the middle of the Canadian flag, it’s no doubt that maple syrup is synonymous with the True North country. Canada is responsible for 85 per cent of the world’s maple syrup supply, of which 70 per cent is produced in the province of Quebec.
The sweet commodity was first collected by the indigenous peoples of Canada and the practice was later taught to the European settlers. The starch that maple trees store in their trunks turns into sap leading up to winter, and in March and April, it’s collected from the trees and boiled into the rich syrup we all know and adore. Although these two months are known as the ‘Maple Syrup Season,’ maple syrup can be found and enjoyed nearly everywhere in the country, at any time of the year
Whether you prefer to drench your pancakes and waffles with maple syrup or use it as a glaze on your chicken or salmon, here are 6 of our favourite maple syrup recipes to celebrate maple syrup season with.
Maple Glazed Salmon
This simple salmon recipe consists of fresh salmon fillets coated with the perfect combination of maple syrup and soy. Ready in under an hour, the recipe makes for an easy, healthy lunch or dinner. Alternatively, if you’re truly in a rush or eager to nourish your appetite, you can skip the marinate step and simply stick the baking dish right into the oven. Either way, you’ll be satisfied with the delicious maple glazed salmon dish.
Maple Candied Bacon
In Canada, there are two foods majority of the population swear by: maple syrup and bacon. And that’s why maple candied bacon was invented. Try out this 5‑ingredient recipe and you won’t be disappointed. You can have the maple candied bacon as a side for a stack of classic pancakes, as a garnish for your classic Canadian caesar or as a simple snack.
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Chances are tossing your sweet potatoes in sweet maple syrup never crossed your mind. We’re here to change that. This ultra-simple maple-roasted sweet potato dish consists of sweet potatoes tossed with maple syrup, butter and lemon juice, and then roasted until they’re tender and golden. You could also try replacing the sweet potatoes with other vegetables, like carrots or butternut squash. Regardless, this is the perfect side dish to serve up alongside any main.
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Full of bourbon and fresh lemon, and sweetened with two to four teaspoons of maple syrup, this whiskey sour recipe will surely become one of your favourite cocktail recipes. The hefty pinch of ground cinnamon gives it some warming flavour that’s perfect for those cold days or nights. Feel free to make a big batch all at once or a glass to pair with your maple-inspired dinner.
Pure Maple Sugar Candy
Comprised of two ingredients, one of which is optional, it truly doesn’t get much simpler — or sweeter — than this pure maple candy recipe. All you need to do is boil the maple syrup, cool it and then mold it into any shape you desire. Though, we recommend the traditional and beautiful leaf-shape to keep consistent with the maple-inspired trend. As the candies melt in your mouth, you’ll quickly see why this is a Canadian classic.
Classic Quebec Sugar Pie
This traditional French Canadian dessert is stuffed with a smooth, rich and creamy filling, making you want a second serving even before you’re finished your first. Follow this classic Quebec sugar pie recipe for a real taste of the sugar shack experience in the comfort of your home. Best of all? It’s relatively cheap and easy to make.
Still hungry? Test out some of these bacon recipes.