Category: Condiment
Maple syrup is a sweet, sticky liquid that is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It is typically produced in the northeastern United States and Canada. The sap is collected from the trees in the early spring and then boiled down to create the thick, amber-colored syrup. Maple syrup is commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast, but it can also be used in baking, cooking, and as a sweetener in various dishes. It has a rich, complex flavor that is both sweet and slightly earthy, with hints of caramel and vanilla.
Flavor Profiles:
- Rich
- Sweet
- Robust
- Maple
- Subtle
- Natural
What goes with Maple Syrup:
- Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and peppery notes complement maple syrup’s sweet and caramel-like taste, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. To expand slightly, the combination of olive oil and maple syrup can be used in various dishes such as salad dressings, sauces, and marinades, providing a delightful contrast between the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the syrup.
- Butter – Butter’s rich, creamy texture and mild flavor provide a smooth balance to maple syrup’s sweetness and robust, earthy taste, creating a harmonious combination that is delightful in various dishes like pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon’s warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes harmonize with maple syrup’s rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor, creating a balanced and delightful combination for various dishes, such as pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal.
- Bacon – The salty and savory taste of bacon complements maple syrup’s sweetness
- Sweet Potatoes – Maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal – Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to oatmeal’s earthy flavor
- Nutmeg – Nutmeg’s warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes harmonize with maple syrup’s rich, sweet, and robust flavor profile, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
- Thyme – Thyme’s warm, earthy flavors complement maple syrup’s rich sweetness, creating a balanced and harmonious combination in various dishes.
- Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts and maple syrup pair well together because the sweetness of the maple syrup complements and balances the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
- Salt – Salt enhances the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a balanced and delicious flavor combination.
- Pepper – Pepper’s subtle heat and maple syrup’s sweetness create a balanced and flavorful combination, often enjoyed in recipes such as peppered bacon with maple glaze.
- Blue Cheese – The strong and tangy flavor of blue cheese balances the sweetness of maple syrup, while the creamy texture of the cheese provides a nice contrast to the syrup’s stickiness.
- Pancakes – Maple syrup’s sweetness perfectly balances the plainness of pancakes
- Waffles – Waffles have a crispy surface and hollow spaces that hold maple syrup well
- French Toast – French toast’s soft, custard-like interior absorbs maple syrup’s flavor
- Squash – Maple syrup can be used as a sweet glaze for roasted squash, balancing out its earthy flavors and adding a touch of natural sweetness.
- Carrots – Maple syrup caramelizes when roasted with carrots, enhancing their natural sweetness
- Butternut Squash – Maple syrup brings out the sweetness in butternut squash while adding depth
- Ice Cream – Maple syrup’s sweetness complements the cool, creamy texture of ice cream
- Fried Chicken – The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a harmonious balance
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar and maple syrup complement each other well as they balance each other’s strong flavors – the acidity of the vinegar is tempered by the sweetness of the syrup, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet. This combination is often used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.