I never let our cupboard run empty with good, ol’ maple syrup. My kids adore the stuff, especially with their favorite breakfasts. They have it with their wholemeal pancakes, corn cakes, French toast, or even just plain toast. I was afraid after a point that I was being to easy and giving them too much sugar (this is a problem because I have a MAJOR sweet tooth and I can’t stay away from the sugar myself even). When I looked into it I was shocked to learn that out of everything maple syrup can be one of the best sweets to be given to children that is readily available. A benefit is that it has less calories then a person would think, and has far fewer amounts of sugar than honey does. Another good thing is that it contains a small amount of zinc and manganese which are two essential minerals for peoples bodies, building the immune system and antioxidant defenses.
What should I have done when I knew I deceived my little picky children by giving them something sweet and tasty when it is actually quite healthy? To get it started simply!
Now I use pure canadian maple syrup to add to things like squash, on fries, or even on “maple and banana sandwiches” in place of peanut butter. My children really like organic maple butter with toast or wedged between stacks of corn cakes or pancakes.An easy way to make maple butter is to blend a pound of normal butter with 1/2 a cup of maple syrup, then just stick it in the fridge and use it as you like.As a special treat for kids (and to make them eat oatmeal cookies) I just take normal (or low fat) oatmeal cookies and glaze them with a maple glaze. To make the glaze, just combine 1 C pure canadian maple sugar, ¼ C confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp maple extract, and ¼ C unsalted butter in a pan, medium-heat until just about to boil, then dip or brush the top of your cookies with the glaze while it’s still hot. Let cool before serving (tip: the cookies taste better the next day).
Here’s something to keep in mind when you go shopping, really look for organic and pure maple syrup instead of picking up cheap flavored and colored synthetic syrup. The former may be pricier but since it isn’t diluted by other ingredients, you get a richer, earthier flavor, which makes it worth the extra penny. Also, the lighter the color, the more subtle the flavor. Reserve the darker, amber-colored variety for cooking.Lastly just like any food you need to make sure you only eat a moderate amount of maple syrup (even organic sweeteners can be bad) and please please brush those little pirly white teeth!
