When the fall approaches, the tree leaves slowly but surely start to change colors, and the landscape gradually fills itself with beautiful reds, yellows and oranges. The temperature also starts to drop, and the warm sunny days are replaced by gloomier, rainy ones. For some people, this time of the year is that of melancholy, but for others it is the perfect occasion to enjoy many seasonal comfort foods. It is the case for maple aficionados, for instance, who see this season as directly associated with the sweet deliciousness of maple syrup. Sure, this exquisite spring nectar is generally not produced during the fall, but that is not a reason to deprive ourselves from its earthy, smooth taste. Fall is still one of the most suitable times to enjoy such a treat, as pure maple syrup really warms your insides in the chilly air. And the good news is, there is more than one way to enjoy the amber syrup from maple trees during the autumn. Whether you add it to a hot beverage or to a hearty meal, you will certainly find your happiness while receiving a small sugar rush.
What screams ‘fall’ if not a cup full of delicious hot coffee? One way to make it even better is to add a little bit of pure maple syrup to it. Ditch the boring granulated sugar, and opt for syrup so each beverage feels like a tasty sweet treat! Of course, the idea is to only add a small amount of it, so the sometimes bitter taste of the coffee beans perfectly balances out the distinct maple sweetness. The rich hints of the Grade A Amber Color syrup could really make a difference, and that is why this trend is gaining in popularity in so many places. Maple syrup also contains some minerals, nutrients and antioxidants, which is not the case for less natural sweeteners generally used in coffee. So, not only is maple syrup tastier, it is also a healthier choice! Plus, you might have noticed how refined sugar leaves a granulated texture to your coffee, like a pile of crystals in your mug. Luckily, that does not happen with maple syrup, as its liquid consistency easily blends with hot liquids like coffee.
The amber nectar can be added to any type of caffeinated beverage and still be delicious. You could simply pour a teaspoon in your regular cup, or go for a more elaborate brew if you wish. There are many great recipes available online, especially considering the fact that maple coffees are more popular than ever. For example, you could go for a full mug of fall comfort and try your hand at making a maple spice latte at home. A maple Irish coffee could also do the trick if you wish to warm yourself up, non-alcoholic versions being available on the Internet as well. No matter the coffee you try on, it always pairs exceptionally well with pastries or a breakfast drizzled with pure maple syrup.
Luckily, the same can be done with tea. For instance, green tea can sometimes have a certain bitterness to it, which is why you might not necessarily like its taste. Adding a bit of real maple syrup to your drink will give it a hint of sweetness, thus making it much more enjoyable. It is a great way to introduce someone to drinking tea – which is worth it considering the fact it is quite a healthy beverage. Of course, the flavor of certain teas might be more appropriate with that of maple syrup. Those with nut, molasses, fruity or smoky undertones are good examples, and certain tisanes could be great as well. A chai tea with milk and a bit of maple syrup would probably enhance your autumn experience to the maximum. Rooibos is also a great alternative to combine with maple syrup, and it does not contain any theine.
Another common thing to enjoy during the fall is alcoholic beverages, whether you like them hot or cold. Maple syrup can greatly improve the taste of you favorite drink, as its sweet taste usually compliments that of stronger alcohols such as whiskey, for example. I find that hot drinks are especially great during colder weekend nights, as they can warm you up in the comfort of your living room. A maple hot toddy can be particularly appropriate for this season, the warmth and alcohol giving a comforting little burn in the chest area. Fall-spiced hot cocktails with maple syrup in them can also be great after a day spent doing activities outside, like pumpkin or apple picking. Cold maple drinks can be great as well.
Because it is colder outside, you cannot necessarily spend time by the pool like you used to do during the summer. That leaves you more time to do other things, such as cooking. That is why fall is an overall great time to make food with maple syrup, which we can enjoy with our loved ones. You can also make good maple snacks to watch in front of your favorite movies, such as maple spiced popcorn, maple pumpkin trail mix or maple roasted pecans, to name only a few ideas. You also have more time to make pancakes and waffles, which are the perfect allies to maple syrup, as you already know. And since fall is the most grateful season, why not celebrate Thanksgiving with some delicious maple recipes? Adding the real thing to your autumnal meals, desserts and breakfasts could really enhance your menu, because it is such a convenient and versatile ingredient. It could be added to a good old turkey meal, or to the decadent “pouding chômeur” you plan to serve your friends and family.
In the end, there are many ways to enjoy pure maple syrup as the temperatures get gradually colder. Whether you are alone or with your family, it is easy to treat yourself and make the most of this beautiful time of the year. It is the favorite season of many maple fans out there, because they have more time to cook great meals, desserts and the like with this delicious condiment. I find that the pure maple syrup like that of my colleagues is perfect for the fall because of its subtle, yet rich flavor. It is no secret that it goes with almost anything.
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