December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day #MapleSyrupDay/. I don’t know about you but I’m not one for #MapleSyrup and if were not careful its on a lot of the #food we purchase including the #Bacon I love. The more I thought about celebrating #Maple I decided we would make French Toast and try Maple Syrup on it. I’ve included the recipe for #FrenchToast for you below.
Maple Syrup is viscous yet delicious condiment that is just as versatile as it is tasty. People enjoy Maple Syrup drizzled over everything: from Pancakes, to Eggs, to Salads, to Barbecue, and this sugary substance has more potential than some give Maple Syrup more credit for.
Did you know the origins of the production of Maple Syrup can be traced back thousands of years to the Northeastern region of the United States. There, Maple Syrup was first gleaned from the abundant Maple Tree population by indigenous peoples. While it is uncertain as to how and why exactly the extraction process first began, it is inarguable that Maple Sap became a key ingredient in a variety of recipes.
The arrival of European Colonists would allow for the introduction of Maple Syrup to the Old World, and their love for the taste of the arboreal byproduct was matched by their appreciation for its utility. Maple Syrup was a popular substitute for Cane Sugar, as this had to be imported from the West Indies region, and its ability to exist in both liquid and crystallized form made it an ideal source for concentrated Sugar.
The Colonists’ extraction methods differed from those of the indigenous peoples, and they would serve as the foundation for several subsequent iterations upon the process. Some Maple Trees may have even seen dozens of changes to the extraction procedures used upon them, as they can continue to be tapped for Sap for more than 100 years!
Today, the consumption of Maple Syrup is no longer reserved for Chieftains or special celebratory events. Mapel Syrup is not only used across the world, but production chains have even sprung up in Countries like Japan and South Korea.
Canada now produces the vast majority of the world’s Maple Syrup supply with its total exports valued at more than $270 million. It may have happened at the rate of Molasses, but Maple Syrup is now known (and loved) far beyond the pocket of the northeast.
National Maple Syrup Day Traditions
While you might use Maple Syrup throughout the year in and over your foods, make it a tradition to mix Mapel Syrup by mixing it into Teas, Coffees, or even mugs of Hot Chocolate! You can even try out different grades of Mapel Syrup with different drinks to mix it up year-to-year.
While not everyone may have the privilege to do visit a Maple Tree Farm, it is serendipitous that National Maple Syrup Day falls very close to the Christmas holidays. If it’s within your means, and you’re a hardcore Maple Syrup lover, consider making it a tradition to vacation to places like Vermont or Quebec to really show your Syrupy passion!
National Maple Syrup Day Activities
- Did you know you can find plenty of Maple Syrup tapping and processing kits online! if you have the means and opportunity get out there, find a Maple Tree, and collect that liquid gold!
- Head to your local Grocery Store and pick up a few different kinds of Maple Syrup, take ‘em on home, and sample each over a Silver Dollar Pancake to find out which of the many selections is your favorite!
- For those of you lucky enough to live in a State that produces Maple Syrup from Native Trees, get out and support your local Maple Syrup producers by buying a nice big jug of their finest batch of Maple Syrup.
Why People Love National Maple Syrup Day
You might be wise to brush your teeth after having Maple Syrup-soaked Pancakes, it’s hard not to love something that’s mostly Sugar!
I’m sure you’ve tried Maple Syrup on your Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast but have you added Maple Syrup to your Bacon? Don’t just limit yourself to breakfast, though. Maple Syrup makes an awesome glaze for all sorts of Root Vegetables, bringing out flavors you might have never noticed.
There aren’t many foods that would seem worthwhile to stage a heist around. But with barrels of Maple Syrup valued at over a thousand dollars each, it’s easy to see why a truckload of maple Syrup might be worth a boatload of cash.
Recipe for French Toast
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 slices day-old brioche bread (1 inch thick)
- Optional toppings: Butter, maple syrup, fresh berries and confectioners’ sugar
Directions
Dip bread into egg mixture, letting it soak 5 seconds on each side. Cook on griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with toppings as desired.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the first 7 ingredients. Preheat a greased griddle over medium heat.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
