5 recipes with maple syrup in the spotlight

Maple syrup is, by far, my favourite sweetener. I always make sure I don’t run out because I love to use it in so many recipes. Limiting maple syrup to the breakfast hour is selling it short. Some of the best recipes feature maple syrup drizzled over veggies, whisked into salad dressings, and melted into decadent cakes and cookies. Here are a few recipes in which I love to incorporate maple syrup! Almond butter dressing Time : 5 min Portions : 4 In a blender, add:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1 clove of garlic
• Juice of half a lemon
• ¾ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup water

This fresh and tangy dressing is great drizzled over salad or served as a dipping sauce for spring rolls! Maple roasted Brussels sprouts Time : 35 min Portions : 2-4

• 1 1/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Trim the stems off the sprouts. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted. Cut the sprouts in half.
3. Add the Brussels sprouts, oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Toss to fully coat the sprouts.
4. Spread the sprouts in a single layer onto a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 15 minutes. Stir the sprouts, flipping over as many as you can.
6. Roast for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Finally, drizzle the maple syrup over the sprouts and stir to coat. Roast for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Banana bread smoothie Time: 5 min Portions : 2

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup of ice
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup of oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and top with maple flakes! Tip: this mixture makes delicious popsicles. Blueberry maple mocktail Time: 5 min Portion : 1

• 8-10 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon good-quality maple syrup
• ⅓ cup organic, unsweetened blueberry juice
• ½ cup club soda
• Frozen blueberries, for garnish

1. Add the mint leaves to a glass. Muddle well until the mint releases its flavour.
2. Add the lime juice, maple syrup, blueberry juice, and club soda to the glass and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Add ice and a handful of frozen blueberries for garnish. You can garnish with additional mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy. Drink up!

Maple and tamari tofu Time: 15-20 min Portions : 2

• 1 block of extra firm tofu, chopped into cubes
• ¼ cup organic cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons tamari
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Splash of lime juice

1. In a bowl, mix the tofu with the salt and cornstarch until well combined.
2. In a pan set over medium heat, cook tofu cubes in a bit of coconut oil.
3. Reduce heat and add all the other ingredients. Toss until well combined. Serve with rice or in a salad.