Maple syrup time!

If you haven’t already, it’s time to hit your local sugar bush for some outdoor fun- and to stock up on that maple syrup. Not only is it a fun day out for the fam, you can stock up on this sticky gold during its season (which makes it a little less expensive, usually).

Maple goodies go far beyond your pancake breakfasts.  Here are some maple-good ideas.

The lunchbox

How cool will you be if your youngster opens their lunchbox next week to a thermos full of pancakes or waffles, with a side of syrup in a Tupperware container?

Little do they know that you’ve spiked their pancakes or waffles with blueberries or strawberries, sneaking in their fruit.

Maple sugar

This one I got from my dad. Not the healthiest treat, but soooo tasty. Buy some maple sugar (it’s hard, like firm brown sugar) and scrape off about a tsp or so. Make yourself some buttered toast and spread the sugar over top. It melts and is so very yummy.

Oatmeal

Instead of spooning in sugar to sweeten your oatmeal,  drizzle some maple syrup on top for maple-y goodness.

Maple-glazed Salmon

Salmon is a staple in my house, but it needs a tasty sauce to go on it.  Mix together equal parts grainy mustard and maple syrup (probably two or three tsp) and brush it over salmon filets.  Throw it in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes at 425, or until the fish flakes easily.

Maple-glazed carrots

Peel about six or seven carrots and place in a dish. Drizzle maple syrup to coat and roast in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until golden .

Grilled maple chicken

Dot a frying pan with butter and place four boneless chicken breasts in it. Brown the chicken for about five minutes, turning halfway through. Combine ½ cup of white wine with two tbsp maple syrup. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook until heated through.