Recipes To Share

I never let our cupboard run empty with good, ol’ maple syrup. My kids adore the stuff, especially with their favorite breakfasts. People eat it on things like toast, waffles, pancakes, french toast, or even on pasta. I was afraid after a point that I was being to easy and giving them too much sugar (this is a problem because I have a MAJOR sweet tooth and I can’t stay away from the sugar myself even). When I looked into it I was shocked to learn that out of everything maple syrup can be one of the best sweets to be given to children that is readily available. A benefit is that it has less calories then a person would think, and has far fewer amounts of sugar than honey does. Another good thing is that it contains a small amount of zinc and manganese which are two essential minerals for peoples bodies, building the immune system and antioxidant defenses.  

What should I have done when I knew I deceived my little picky children by giving them something sweet and tasty when it is actually quite healthy? To get it started simply!

Since then I started using pure organic canadian maple syrup to add to things like squash, on fries, or even on “maple and banana sandwiches” in place of peanut butter. My kids also love organic maple butter on their waffles and drizzled on their pancakes.An easy way to make maple butter is to blend a pound of normal butter with 1/2 a cup of maple syrup, then just stick it in the fridge and use it as you like.  For an easy snack or school lunchbox treat, I make maple cookies, which is really just low-fat oatmeal or plain cookies with a maple glaze on top. To make the glaze, just combine 1 C pure canadian maple sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, a little maple extract, a few teaspoons of unsalted butter, all together on medium until it comes to a slow boil then you can brush it on your hot cookies. Let cool before serving (tip: the cookies taste better the next day).

Here’s something to keep in mind when you go shopping, really look for organic and pure maple syrup instead of picking up cheap flavored and colored synthetic syrup. It is generally more expensive, but because you don’t get diluted syrup you get a richer, tastier flavor and is worth whatever small amount of extra money it costs. Keep in mind a simple rule; the lighter the syrup, the more subtle the flavor will be. If you want to use syrup to cook try to get darker amber syrup as opposed to lighter stuff.  Finally, remember that everything should be consumed in moderation and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget to brush those tiny teeth afterwards!

Comments are closed.