11 tasty uses for maple syrup

We all love a gooey cinnamon roll and sweet, melty frosting to top it off. However, if you’re up for something a bit different, try drizzling maple syrup instead of icing for a uniquely sweet breakfast. It sounds weird (as do most of the suggestions on this list), but you’ll be in love at the first bite.

I prefer my coffee black, but every once in a while, especially around the holidays, I start to crave something more festive and dessert-like. Sure, I could head up to Starbucks and pay $6 for a peppermint mocha — or I could save money and make my own caffeinated concoction. By adding a bit of syrup to my coffee, I get an extra treat with my morning pick-me-up!

Okay, to clarify, I’m not suggesting you pour a bunch of maple syrup over lettuce. However, I recommend combining it with balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, olive oil, or a combination and adding salt and pepper for a uniquely tasty new salad addition.

My partner once brought home maple yogurt, the existence of which I was previously unaware. But to my surprise, it was delicious. If you’re not somewhere “maple” is a standard flavor option, try adding maple syrup to plain yogurt, just like you might do with honey.

Just like the salad dressing suggestion, I’m not telling you to replace your fave BBQ sauce, but it can be enhanced with a bit of maple flavor. Think of it as an alternative to honey BBQ. 

Those of us with a sweet tooth love good caramel corn. So imagine my delight when I discovered this very Canadian update: maple corn. Popular at winter markets all over Canada, it’s the perfect sweet winter snack!

Canadian bacon famously pairs well with sugary additions, despite how polarizing pineapple on pizza is. However, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried candied Canadian bacon. Made by combining maple syrup and any other ingredient you please (favorites include brown sugar, dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper) to form a glaze. Then spread your creation over the bacon and bake until brown. Serve it alongside pancakes, on pizza, or as part of a Canadian BLT!

This French-Canadian dessert is a personal favorite, although fear of cavities keeps me from having it more than a couple of times a year! There are a few versions, and the classic is filled with thick cream made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and cornstarch.

Another personal favorite that I just added to my breakfast menu. Usually, I drizzle or sprinkle honey or brown sugar over my hot cereal, but maple syrup has been a nice addition. Topped off with some berries, it's a great start to the day.

Many different juices and sauces can be used to marinate a meat-based meal. Maple syrup may not be the obvious choice, but it adds a unique flavor that other ingredients just don’t provide. It's especially good with fish, a perfect sweet and salty mix.

I’ve most commonly had sweet potato glazed with syrup, but it also pairs well with most roast veggies. From carrots to beats to zucchini, hungry dinner-goers of all ages won’t need to be reminded to eat their veggies!