simplequietmodern

I’m talking maple syrup. And while it’s season and the trees are tapped and the sap is flowing I can’t help but think about all the ways I love to use it. I’m sure I can manage to slip it’s warm rounded sweetness into one thing or another several times a week. From sweet to savory, cocktails to dessert, maple syrup just adds that little earthy something that regular sugar seems to lack. I’ve noted below an assortment of applications that have become my simplequietmodern favorites over the last ten years.  Now let’s tap into that dark amber goodness.

Gently reducing maple syrup by half and adding fresh blueberries to warm is the perfect topping to your favorite pancake or French toast recipe. It takes the chill off the berries and keeps that fresh quality that is lost when they’re cooked into the pancake.

A tablespoon or two whisked into a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and apple cider vinegar is as good on a Salad Lyonnaise as it is my take on a shaved Brussels Sprout salad with Bosc pear, Bleu Cheese and Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts.

Don’t save these for the holidays. Maple Syrup Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Really, you might want to make a double batch and just call it dinner.

If you haven’t tried this Maple Cube from Tonewood  now’s a good time to get on it. A grate over fresh Spring berries can’t be beat.

Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup?  Yes Please.

As a snack, with cocktails, on a salad or as a gift these Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts hit every note perfectly.

Substitute a tablespoon of dark amber maple syrup for the muddled sugar cubes in your next Old Fashioned and you won’t be making them your old way again.

Sometimes a little something nostalgic is just what’s needed. Maple Walnut Fudge reminds me of countless family road trips which honestly weren’t that much fun. Whipping up a batch without leaving home? Preferable.

photos: gp