Maple syrup is naturally beneficial to our health thanks to all of the nutrients it contains, as well as its anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains many natural antioxidants that are reported to have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic properties. The amazing nutrients that naturally occur in pure maple syrup are:
-
Manganese – aids in energy production & improves overall mental stability
-
Zinc – helps the immune system & important bodily functions such as cellular growth & regeneration
-
Calcium – great for strengthening bones & teeth
-
Riboflavin – aids in metabolic processes
-
Magnesium – associated with lowered risk of heart disease
-
Potassium – helps to maintain a normal blood pressure
Ohio maple syrup season is just beginning. The weather determines the local season, so stay tuned to our social media pages for when we have it in our market. Misty Maples from Salem is our producer and makes wonderful, award-winning syrup. Enjoy some of these farm-favorite recipes to enjoy this seasonal treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups unsalted butter
4 large eggs
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups chopped toasted pecans, divided
Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium. Cook, whisking constantly, until butter browns & smells nutty, 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately pour into bowl. Place in refrigerator to cool, whisking every 5 minutes until thickened & creamy, about 20 min. (Butter should look like melted peanut butter.) Beat eggs & sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until thickened & pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Whisk together flour, baking powder, & salt in a bowl. Add to egg mixture in thirds, alternately with cooled butter, beginning & ending with flour mixture, beating on low after each addition. Slowly beat in maple syrup; add vanilla, & beat just until combined. Fold in 1 cup of pecans with spoon. Pour batter into a greased & floured 13- x 9-inch baking pan, spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with remaining 1⁄4 cup pecans. Bake in preheated oven until golden & a wooden pick inserted in middle comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 24 bars.
