We all love the unique sweetness of maple syrup on our morning pancakes, but it is so much more than just a sweetener. Maple has a long history in this area, beginning with Indigenous nations in the northeast, who have passed on the traditions of sugaring season through generations. Today, maple sugaring can be distilled down to a science, but it doesn’t take the magic out of the process of creating a sweet treat out of sap. Maple syrup can take on the “terroir” of the land just like a fine wine, and it has subtle variations in flavor, too, depending on the time of year, the heat and length of the boil, and more. It’s one of many great reasons to protect and conserve our natural resources!
To fill up those sap buckets (or tubing, as is more commonly used these days), maple trees require fluctuating temperatures that are above freezing during the day, and below freezing at night. This is why late winter/early spring is the perfect sugaring time. Currently, sugaring season is in full swing! So, with that in mind, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite maple-focused recipes so you can eat seasonally.
This sweet & piquant twist on honey mustard chicken is fun and tasty, but also pretty simple. While the recipe calls for chicken breast, we’ve made this with chicken leg too!
Bourbon Maple Glazed Chicken Wings
For all you wing-nuts out there, this is a must-try recipe. You can’t go wrong with bourbon and maple! The maple caramelizes to create a sweet and savory, sticky glaze that is perfect with steaming hot, crispy chicken wings.
Do I need to say anything else? I think these speak for themselves.
Slow Roasted Salmon with Tamarind, Ginger, & Chipotle
Interested in getting a little fancy? This trio of tamarind, ginger, and chipotle pairs perfectly with the sweetness of maple syrup on a delicious wild-caught salmon filet, and it will absolutely impress your guests. If you want to simplify this recipe, skip the spice blending step and use pre-powdered ingredients instead.
Sausage and Maple Bread Pudding
This is for your cheat day. This super indulgent but oh-so-delicious breakfast treat is incredible. Perfect for brunch-y Sundays or a special occasion! We have three types of pastured pork sausage that would go perfectly with this concoction - Maple Breakfast Links, French Apple Sausage, and Maple & Brown Sugar Sausage.
You’ve got to have something to wash it all down with, right?
Now, you’ve got all you need to celebrate sugaring season in style!
