10 Uses for Canadian Maple Syrup (beyond the pancake)
April 08 2024 – Dawn Chapman
My husband James recently got his Canadian citizenship (YAY!), and we celebrated at Lazy Daisy’s with a traditional Canadian breakfast: Blueberry pancakes, bacon and of course, a shot of pure Canadian Maple Syrup. This got me thinking (it being maple syrup tapping season and all)...is there anything more Canadian than maple syrup!? It’s such a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways beyond just topping pancakes. Though this is our favourite way to enjoy this local treasure, especially when it’s drizzled over our fluffy Lazy Daisy Buttermilk Pancakes, we also make our Blueberry & Maple Buttermilk Biscuits with it AND we serve it with our chicken and waffle dish at the café (lovingly called The Clucking Belgian).
But, I wanted to share some more creative and tasty uses for this sweet elixir that will have you reaching for the bottle at every meal. So here are my top 10 ways to use maple syrup (beyond the humble pancake):
- Marinades and Glazes: Maple syrup is a fantastic base for marinades and glazes, adding a sweet and sticky touch to your favorite proteins. Mix it with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a mouthwatering marinade for chicken or tofu.
- Salad Dressings: Give your salads a Canadian twist by incorporating maple syrup into your dressing. Combine it with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy vinaigrette that will elevate any salad.
- Baking: Maple syrup is a fantastic natural sweetener for baked goods. Replace traditional sugar with maple syrup in recipes for cookies, muffins, and cakes to add a rich depth of flavor.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Maple syrup can be used to sweeten cocktails and mocktails, adding a unique maple flavor to your drinks. Try mixing it with bourbon and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing maple bourbon sour. Hello weekend!
- Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle warm maple syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. Add some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra crunch and flavor.
- Maple Glazed Vegetables: Roast your favorite vegetables with a maple glaze for a sweet and savory side dish. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes all pair beautifully with the rich taste of maple syrup.
- Maple Syrup Infusions: Get creative by infusing maple syrup with herbs or spices for a unique flavor profile. Try adding cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or fresh rosemary to a jar of maple syrup and let it sit for a few days to develop complex flavors.
- Maple Butter: Whip up a batch of maple butter by mixing softened butter with maple syrup. Spread it on toast, pancakes, waffles our our Classic Buttermilk Biscuits for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Maple Glazed Bacon: Elevate your breakfast game by brushing bacon with maple syrup before baking or frying. The combination of salty, crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup is a match made in heaven.
- DIY Maple Flavored Coffee: Add a touch of maple syrup to your coffee for a delicious morning pick me-up. Experiment with different amounts to find your perfect balance of sweetness and maple flavor.
Not to get sappy about this, but Canadian maple syrup really is a must-have secret ingredient for all your tasty creations. So be sure to tap into this tasty golden nectar and add a bit of Canadian flair to your cooking, baking, and even cocktail shaking adventures!
