maple syrup

Maple syrup is sap from maple trees that has been boiled until much of the water has evaporated, and the sap is thick and syrupy. Maple sugar (about twice as sweet as granulated white sugar) is the result of continuing to boil the sap until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. Maple syrup is graded by color and flavor: Fancy or Grade AA is a light amber color with a mild flavor; Grade A is a medium amber and mellow flavor; Grade B is a dark amber and heaty flavor; and Grade C is very dark with a robust molasseslike flavor. Maple-Flavored Syrup is a less costly product and is a combination of less expensive syrup (like corn syrup) and a small amount of pure maple syrup. Pancake syrups are typically nothing more than corn syrup flavored with artificial maple extract.

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

How to store: After opening, refrigerate

Matches well with: carrots, fruit, ham, onions, pumpkins, ribs