Canada is known around the world for its iconic Canadian maple syrup. While we are all familiar with putting it on pancakes or waffles, there are many other ways that we can use this delicious all-natural syrup!
Here are ten ingenious ways that you may not have considered:
There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked cinnamon bun moistened with a gooey glaze. You’ll often find cinnamon buns topped with super sweet icing made from powdered sugar or thick, cream cheese icing. But have you considered glazing them with Canadian maple syrup?
Maple syrup soaks into the roll itself, giving it extra moisture. It’s not too heavy or loaded with sugars and fats but still provides a great flavour without overpowering the taste of the cinnamon roll itself. Plus, it’s vegan, so you can still enjoy this tasty treat, even if you don’t consume animal products.
Real and natural Canadian maple syrup is relatively thin in texture. If you’re used to using Aunt Jemima, then you may be surprised to know that it doesn’t even contain maple syrup at all. It’s made from high fructose corn syrup. Instead of loading this high-sugar, processed syrup onto your ice cream, use the real stuff!
The coolness of the ice cream will thicken up real maple syrup, giving you that desired, syrupy consistency. We recommend drizzling it onto a classic vanilla ice cream to give it a flavourful kick!
Maple syrup is a staple of fall in Canada, and so are sweet potatoes. So, it’s no surprise that these two flavours go so well together. Throw some cinnamon into the mix, and we’ve got ourselves a party! Maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on roasted sweet potatoes, giving them a crispy, sweet exterior to contrast the creamy inside.
To prepare:
Find the full recipe here.
Molasses is often used to sweeten baked beans but try using Canadian maple syrup instead! Baked beans are great in a pinch if you’re looking for a protein-packed addition to your meal. You can have them on toast, on a roasted potato, alongside your breakfast, or eat them on their own. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make them yourself, but there’s nothing wrong with getting them straight from the can.
Adding Canadian maple syrup to this classic comfort food will give them a unique kick that you won’t be able to get enough of.
For the perfectly crafted salad dressing, you need a few different flavour elements: salty, sweet and sour. For the sweet element, you can use honey, sugar, agave or, our favourite, maple syrup!
Maple syrup pairs well with a base of olive oil and balsamic for a light vinaigrette dressing. Use this dressing for a fresh spinach or garden salad. Find the recipe here.
Ok, we know fruit is already sweet, but sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit. If you’re hosting or attending a gathering, a fruit tray is great for healthy snacking and including a dip makes it even better! While creamy dips seem to be the go-to for fruit trays, we love a caramel-style dip that you can make with only four ingredients: almond butter, coconut oil, sea salt and maple syrup! This healthy version of caramel tastes even better than the real thing, without the guilt! Find the recipe here.
We haven’t left out the drinks! Canadian maple syrup makes the perfect addition to the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Traditionally an Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, then adding bourbon of choice and topping with an orange twist. Instead, forget about the sugar and use maple syrup instead. It has more of a nutty, burnt flavour profile that provides more depth than the traditional recipe.
Discover this Maple Old Fashioned recipe.
If you just can’t say no to sugar in your coffee or tea, try substituting maple syrup. Real Canadian maple syrup is less processed than regular sugar and also contains valuable antioxidants. Plus, since it tends to be sweeter than most sugars, you don’t need to use as much in your coffee or tea.
We might be coming to the end of barbeque season, but there’s no reason that you can’t continue using barbeque sauce with your favourite recipes all year long. You can use barbeque sauce on veggie burgers, in place of pizza sauce, to marinate mushrooms, on cauliflower bites or with black bean meatballs. If you really want to take your barbeque sauce up a notch, try adding Canadian maple syrup!
Like in baked beans, barbeque sauce recipes often call for molasses, but we think it’s even better by adding all-natural Canadian maple syrup.
You can make maple barbeque sauce from scratch using this recipe, which uses tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and various spices. But because of its growing popularity, you can likely find maple barbeque sauce at your local grocery store.
You’ve heard of caramel popcorn, but have you heard of maple syrup popcorn? The concept is basically the same, but instead of using caramel coating with processed sugar, try maple syrup coated instead! All you need is popcorn, maple syrup and vanilla essence. Heat the maple syrup and simmer it on low for about 3 minutes, then add the vanilla. Pour it over your popcorn and stir it up well. Pour it out on a pan to cool, and you’re all done!
Here at BReD we use organic 100% pure maple syrup from Pefferlaw Creek Farms.
