SAttention Off: It’s the sweetest time of year here in Eastern Canada.
The warm spring air draws the sap up the trunks of the tall maples, where it is collected and boiled down into pure maple syrup. March is quite bearable because it gives us this liquid gold.
One taste is worth all the squishy snow and frozen mud, but here we go far more than just taste! Maple syrup is the sweetest way to eat locally in springand I use it in both sweet and savory dishes.
Today’s post is a roundup of some of our favorite maple recipes for brunch, dinner, and dessert.
Our family has a long history of collecting maple syrup. When the kids were little, we had an annual family tradition of spending a day in the sugar bush: acres and acres of Canadian maples.
Under the warm March sun, we collected gallons of juice, boiled it down over a wood stove, and then shared a feast.
Read the full story with photos: Simple Bites in the Big Woods: A Sugaring Off Story
There are few things as satisfying as reaping the bounty of Mother Nature without harming the environment, as generations before us have done.
Wondering when it’s time to make maple syrup? Here’s the post: How to Know When It’s Time to Tap Maple Trees.
The best maple syrup recipes
Pure maple syrup does so much more than just top our crepes and stacks of pancakes. It’s extremely versatile, making it a great ingredient for marinades and salad dressings, not just desserts.
No one can turn down a maple glazed donut or go without a melt-in-the-mouth maple shortbread cookie. It’s a flavor that has an inexplicable appeal to young and old alike.
In my first cookbook, Brown Eggs and Jam Jars, I devoted a whole chapter to maple syrup; It’s definitely one of my favorite ingredients.
Here are the best maple syrup recipes that make us swoon every spring…
Maple glazed donuts
A surprisingly easy recipe for homemade old-fashioned donuts. A classic maple frosting will do to garnish these treats, but sprinkling bacon on top is always a good idea.
Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Maple Braised Berries
A nutritious, make-ahead breakfast that makes up for all the donuts. Use fresh OR frozen berries for the topping – just don’t leave out the pure maple syrup.
Maple Multigrain Waffle Cakes with Cinnamon Syrup Drizzle
A brunch showstopper that pays homage to the sweetest season of the year. Each component can be prepared in advance, which makes this “cake” perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day or any spring festival.
Crunchy apple and pear salad
Whether you serve this dish as a fruit salad for brunch or as a refreshing after-dinner dessert platter, this recipe will always turn heads. The maple syrup dripping all over the salad is decadent on its own, while the tangy yogurt provides a zesty contrast.
Maple Hot Cross Buns Overnight
Just in time for Easter baking are these tender and fluffy seasonal buns with maple sweetness and maple frosting. They are lightly spiced and go perfectly with coffee. I designed the recipe to be ready a day in advance on Easter morning!
Maple Sausage Patties
Great for breakfast or brunch, this easy recipe highlights pure maple syrup and fresh herbs in an easy homemade pattie. Make them ahead of time or pan fry them just before serving and perfume the whole house while you’re at it!
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Walnut Bacon Crumble
Here’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures in a dish that feels decadent thanks to bacon and maple syrup, but is really quite simple. These sweet potatoes also make a great side dish, so be sure to keep them in mind for your upcoming Easter brunch or dinner.
Maple and poppy seed salad dressing
My favorite dressing for savory winter salads, this easy vinaigrette is the perfect blend of sweet syrup, tangy lemon juice and a twist of garlic.
Maple Mustard Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes and Asparagus
Here’s an easy tin dinner that the whole family will love. Maple glazed chicken is a springtime dinner staple, and pairing it with new veggies just makes sense.
Maple Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies
These delicious teatime cookies are glazed with pure maple syrup. It’s a logical pairing with the buttery pecans and tender cornmeal crumb.
Spiced pumpkin pie with maple
The best pumpkin pie is lightly spiced and sweetened with maple and the recipe lives here on Simple Bites. Tested to perfection, it’s one of our favorite family desserts of all time.
Maple Tahini Puffed Cereal Treats
Lunchbox treats just got jazzed up with these easy no-bake granola bars. Maple & Tahini is a flavor play to last (and also happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free!).
Maple Cinnamon Apple Chips
Just three ingredients in this easy snack.
Maple Apple Butter or Maple Pumpkin Butter
Maple syrup is one of my favorite ways to sweeten homemade preserves. Though the blog posts may be ancient, these classic recipes stand the test of time.
Share your favorite maple recipes in the comments as we celebrate the arrival of spring very soon…