How To: Infuse Maple Syrup

We love that good old Canadian staple, maple syrup. So much so that earlier this year we rounded up a list of our favourite maple products and a selection of recipes using this sweet liquid gold. Now, we really want to show the tricks that maple syrup can do, and how many flavours it can unlock and enhance. Introducing the first part of our How-To series, How To: Infuse Maple Syrup!

With warm tasting notes and a wealth of versatility, these syrups can range from sweet to herbaceous to spicy, making them an unexpected ingredient that will really amplify the flavours of some of your favourite dishes. All our recipes start with the base of pure Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup and add ingredients that can be found in our stores! A simple way to jazz up your pantry and your plate, check out our five varieties below!

Chai Spice Infusion

Using a cozy blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and star anise, this maple syrup infusion is delicious poured over your favourite waffle recipe. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try using it to sweeten a cup of chai or mixed into coconut chicken curry.

Directions:

Makes about 1 cup.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup with 5 allspice berries, 4 pieces star anise, 3 whole cloves, and 1 cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, then turn down to low heat.
3. Allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain out spices using a fine sieve. Serve or store in fridge until needed.

Coastal Coconut Infusion

For a sweet option imbued with the subtle, sunny taste of coconut cream and fragrant vanilla, this maple syrup infusion is an exciting way to flavour your favourite latte, or to make into a pouding chômeur (see our recipe for that here). For an Asian twist, try using it to enrich a savoury pumpkin soup!

Makes about 2 cups.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup with 1 cup room temperature Farm Boy™ Organic Coconut Cream. (Note: If cream is refrigerated, warm up in the microwave prior to using.)
2. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, then turn down to low heat.
3. Allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in 2 tsp. vanilla extract.
6. Serve or store in fridge until needed.

*Note: If infusion is refrigerated, reheat before use, as it will separate and harden.

Spicy Citrus Infusion

With a burst of spice from the ginger and a refreshing pop from the lime, this flavour bomb can stand up to a variety of dishes. We like it used in place of simple syrup in your favourite cocktail recipes, or as an ingredient in a homemade vinaigrette.

Directions:

Makes about 1 cup.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup with 2 Tbsp peeled and chopped ginger and the rind of one lime (use a vegetable peeler for this).
2. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, then turn down to low heat.
3. Allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain out lime and ginger using a fine sieve. Serve or store in fridge until needed.

Island Getaway Infusion

For a little something sweet that is anything but boring, try this tropical maple syrup infusion! Using coconut and dried apricot to amp up the taste of sweet maple, it’s fragrant and delicious for fruit salads or yogurt, or drizzled over a bowl of ice cream.

Directions:

Makes about 1 cup.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup with ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut and ¼ cup chopped dried apricots.
2. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, then turn down to low heat.
3. Allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain out coconut and apricots using a fine sieve. Serve or store in fridge until needed.

Moroccan Nights Infusion

Tangy and zesty, this maple syrup infusion is sure to wake up your palate to a whole new world of flavour! We used a navel orange in this recipe, but feel free to use a mandarin orange or whatever variety is your favourite! Try it as a glaze or marinade for hearty dinner fare, like roasted carrots, BBQ pork, or chicken & waffles.

Directions:

Makes about 1 cup.

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Farm Boy™ Amber Maple Syrup with 1 ½ Tbsp whole coriander seeds and the rind of one orange (use a vegetable peeler for this).
• Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, then turn down to low heat.
• Allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
• Strain out coriander and orange using a fine sieve. Serve or store in fridge until needed.