Think maple syrup is only for pancakes?
Well, think again. This sweet staple has culinary versatility.
“The delicious taste of maple (either syrup or sugar) can be used in many recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts,” explains Ruthanne Shaw of Shaw’s Sugar Bush, Pancake House and Ye Olde Maple Treet Shoppe near Orillia. “People just need to experiment a bit.”
And she would know. In addition to bottled liquid gold, the Shaw family manufactures a variety of products ranging from red pepper maple jelly to maple barbeque sauce.
Using maple syrup is also healthier, says Robyn Hause of Hause’s Maple Syrup and Herb Farm in Coldwater. “Maple syrup is less processed than refined sugar,” she explains.
And it also tastes great. John Williams of Pine House Farm Organics in Hillsdale suggests substituting maple syrup for sugar when making recipes, such as a stir-fry sauce.
“There is a fuller, richer flavour when you use maple syrup in place of sugar,” explains Williams, who specializes in organic maple syrup production.
The following recipes are courtesy of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association.
Maple Fudge
This sweet and creamy treat is a real crowd pleaser. A candy thermometer is a must for this recipe.
2 cups maple syrup
3/ 4 cup 10 per cent cream
2 tbsps salted butter
PREPARATION: Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In medium heavy-bottomed saucepan combine maple syrup, cream and butter.
Place over medium-high heat. Uncovered, and without stirring, allow the mixture to boil. Place a candy thermometer in the sauce pan, and continue cooking (without stirring) until a drop in cold water forms a soft ball (236F to 238F).
Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm without stirring (110F). Using a wooden spoon, beat until creamy and mixture starts to lose its sheen (about two minutes).
Working quickly, transfer mixture to prepared pan and smooth out with a rubber spatula. Cool. Cut into squares. Makes about 16 pieces.
Mixed Greens and Strawberries with Maple Dressing
The sweetness of maple syrup makes this salad divine. The dressing is courtesy of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association. The mixed greens, strawberries and candied almonds were my own addition.
1 / 4 cup white vinegar
2 tbsps maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground dry mustard
1 / 2 tsp paprika
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/ 2 cup sliced almonds
3 tbsps granulated sugar
2 cups packed torn fresh spinach leaves
2 cups packed torn Boston lettuce
2 cups halved strawberries
PREPARATION:
Dressing: In blender or small food processor, combine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, mustard, and paprika process for 20 seconds. With machine on high, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream. Makes about 1 cup.
Salad: Toss almonds with sugar in a non-stick frying pan; cook on medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until sugar forms a golden brown syrup and evenly coats the almonds, stirring constantly. Spread into single layer on sheet on greased baking sheet or waxed paper; cool. Break into small pieces.
Toss greens and strawberries in large bowl. Drizzle with dressing (about 1/3 cup) just before serving; mix lightly. Sprinkle with almonds. Serves 6.
Maple Syrup Pie
This mouthwatering dessert is worth every calorie! Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Maple sugar is available at many local sugar bushes.
3 / 4 cup brown sugar or stirred maple sugar
2 tbsps all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
1 cup maple syrup
2 tbsps melted salted butter
1 / 2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 / 2 tsp salt
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
PREPARATION: In medium bowl, mix together brown sugar and flour; blend in slightly beaten eggs. Stir in maple syrup, butter, nuts (if using), vanilla, and salt. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake in 400F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until filling is set and pastry is light golden brown.
Local sugar bushes
When does the sapping season start? “That’s a really big question,” says Ken McCutcheon of McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup in Coldwater. “We were hoping to get an early start because the last few years haven’t been that great. But, that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen due to the weather forecast.”
Sap flow is temperamental – temperatures must rise above freezing for several days to trigger it.
The syrup will be flowing at the annual Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at the Tiffin Centre.
This year’s festival, presented once again by the Rotary Club of Barrie and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, will take place April 5 and 6.
There are several local maple syrup producers in Simcoe County. Be sure to check out the following farm gate operations, or festivals. For more information visit the Websites provided.
• Breedon’s Maple Syrup, 10 minutes southwest of Alliston, on 3rd line (#3662); south of Highway 89 and west of Highway 50, (705) 435-5269. Call ahead.
• Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival (Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Enjoy live music, all day pancake breakfast, sugar bush tours, midway, craft and quilt show, and much more.
• Greenlaw Maple Products, 1373 Flos Road 8 East, Elmvale, (705) 322-5003. Call ahead.
• Hause’s Maple Syrup & Herb Farm. Maple syrup, maple butter, vinaigrettes and sauces available year-round. R.R. #5, 1949 Balkwell Line, Coldwater, (705) 326-9461.
• Hewitt’s Maple Ridge Tree Farm. Sells at Orillia’s Farmers’ Market year-round. 3031 Telford Line, Orillia (705) 325-8549. Call ahead.
• McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup, R.R. # 4, 3983 Line 9 North, Coldwater, (705) 835-5780. Call ahead.
• Pine House Farm, 4274 Penetanguishene Rd., Hillsdale, (705) 835-2911. Call ahead.
• Shaw’s Maple Products and Pancake House, 493 Line 14S Oro-Medonte, 2 kms off of Highway11, (705) 325-4347. Variety of maple products. Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March and April. Sleigh or wagon rides on weekends.
• Wye Marsh Sweetwater Harvest – A Maple Syrup Celebration (March 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). See native, pioneer and modern maple syrup demonstrations and enjoy samples. Enjoy an all-day pancake breakfast, cooking demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, a lumber jack challenge, and wood carving demonstrations.
