What’s the big deal with simple maple syrup?
What do you like to eat with maple syrup? We know about pancakes and waffles, but what about putting syrup on other things like ice cream, bacon, sausage, in a barbecue sauce, desserts and even in warm milk (yes, people really do that)? There are numerous ways to use this delightful syrup!
Maple Syrup Field Trip
Did you know that pure maple syrup is just sap from a maple tree? When I was a young girl, my school went on a field trip and watched a man getting maple syrup out of a tree through a small tube. The technical term is called tapping the tree. It’s a long process to get maple syrup, but so worth it to see the finished product. It was very interesting. The man gave us all ice cream and poured some of the fresh syrup on top. Very sweet indeed!
Is Real Maple Syrup BAD??
As you may already know, maple syrup is full of natural sugar. It doesn’t raise your blood sugar quite as much as white processed sugar, but it is still pretty high in the glycemic index. Therefore, it is not the best kind of syrup to consume for those with blood sugar issues as well as those who are trying to lose weight.
There’s nothing quite like real maple syrup…but since starting Trim Healthy Mama, I’ve wanted to have a syrup on hand for our family’s favorite E pancakes (THM cookbook, pg. 259).
I will let you know right now that I do not care for a super sweet syrup. So as I was taste-testing my syrup I found the right amount of sweetness for me. If you would like yours a bit sweeter, you would just add more sweetener or “brown sugar“.
Homemade Brown Sugar (that’s good for you)
Speaking of brown sugar, I feel like I have quite a few recipes using this yummy sweetener. If you are wise, you will make up a batch of this brown sugar from Gwen’s Nest. It is so good and very easy to make. I always keep a mason jar full of it in my cupboard for recipes like this one and also for my Coconut Scotchies (link here).
Storing Your Simple Maple Syrup
Your maple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It would probably be alright for longer, just give it a shake before opening.
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Rachel
Yields a little over 1 and 1/2 cups
A sweet syrup that can be used in many recipes calling for real maple syrup...only this recipe won't spike your blood sugar and you can feel good about it!
15 minPrep Time
15 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon maple extract
- 1 Tablespoon THM Super Sweet Blend (or Pyure Organic Stevia)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-1/2 Tablespoons Gwen's brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- Put all ingredients, except xanthan gum, in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir till combined then slowly sprinkle xanthan gum in while whisking continuously.
- Allow to cool then store in fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
this syrup will not be very thick. If you'd like a thicker syrup, just add another 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum. I personally like a thinner syrup...reminds me of the real thing.
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