Enjoy the sweetness of spring by visiting a sugar bush and make one (or all) of these delicious recipes — some sweet, some savoury — that utilize one of nature's greatest gifts — maple syrup.
Olive Oil and Maple Granola
If you can stir, you can make this granola. The combo of olive oil and sweet maple syrup make this crunchy breakfast food addictively yummy. Put everything in a bowl (stir), then go into the oven (stir, stir, stir). Granola! Get the recipe: Olive Oil and Maple Granola
Homemade Chewy Maple Caramels
Homemade maple caramels are worth the effort. The chewy, sweet morsels are a 10/10 alternative to the mass produced sugary treats you can buy at the store. Plus, it's a fun recipe project to get kids involved in the kitchen. Get the recipe: Homemade Chewy Maple Caramels
Sesame Noodles With Maple-Harissa Tofu Steaks
This noodle dish is a nod to take-out at home. It mixes sweet, savoury and a kick of fresh ginger. Plus, it'll make a tofu believer out of you. Get the recipe: Sesame Noodles With Maple-Harissa Tofu Steaks
Poached Egg On Maple Roasted Squash With Hollandaise
Take your brunch game up a notch wth a smear of maple-roasted butternut squash, a poached egg and a healthy dollop of hollandaise sauce. Yep, you've won this round. Get the recipe: Poached Egg On Maple Roasted Squash With Hollandaise
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
We may be entering spring, but don't forget that winter squash makes a fantastic soup. Try swapping acorn, Hubbard, or even pumpkin for the butternut. Maple syrup and apple bring out its sweetness, and using curry powder or sage will change its flavour profile depending on your mood. Get the recipe: Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Maple-Balsamic Glazed Ribs
Dark, sticky ribs are always a hit; pre-roasting the ribs makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender without allowing the sweet glaze to burn. Get the recipe: Maple-Balsamic Glazed Ribs
Skillet Maple Granola
We love granola so much, we added two versions. When a craving hits, toast oats, nuts and seeds in a large skillet along with pure maple syrup to make almost-instant granola. If you want to include dried fruit, add it after the granola comes off the heat. Get the recipe: Skillet Maple Granola
Maple Crème Brulée
Maple is the star of the show in this simple yet elegant dessert; it showcases maple deliciously. If you have a source for maple sugar, try sprinkling it on top in place of regular sugar. Get the recipe: Maple Crème Brulée
Fruity Multigrain Waffles
Oh, you really thought that we would skip a good waffle in this roundup? Of course you want to smother pancakes and waffles with the sticky-sweet tree sap. This multigrain waffle recipe is indispensable. They freeze easily and are quickly thawed in the toaster or microwave on rushed weekday mornings. But, of course, we're here for the syrup, mostly, so if you want to make boxed pancakes or waffs, that's just fine, too. Get the recipe: Fruity Multigrain Waffles