IRON CHEF WEEK III - SECRET INGREDIENT

Hi there!  Swampy has tagged me for the ingredient this week.  I've been doing a lot of thinking about this.  I've decided to go with something that is very Canadian.  Even though this ingredient is harvested and produced in the US Canadians tend to brag that we are the biggest producers worldwide.  This ingredient can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.  I challenge you to find unique ways to use it.  

The secret ingredient for this week is maple syrup.  Enjoy!

[swampcritter]

What an interesting choice!

Maple syrup is available as both grade A and grade B. That gives you a larger variety of uses,but you'll probably have to hit a speciality store for grade B.

Hmmmm.....

Along the same lines, there is also sorghum syrup, and black strap molasses.


Wow, now you have Swampy thinking.

[1nana]

Interesting!

I've only used maple syrup for breakfast.

[peekawho]

Great choice!  I admit, I've only ever used it for pancakes or waffles.  

This should be fun!

[Ranaesheart]

Well .. I'm taking the easy way out and using it as topping for a yummy breakfast .. Banana-oatmeal hot cakes with spiced maple syrup .. nothing says you can't use the old "tried and true" ... ; )  ... especially at 268 calories!

Will upload the recipe after I've made it so I can include a pic as well.  Interesting choice and seeing some wonderful recipes .. can't wait to hear the reviews!

[peekawho]

Can't wait to see it!  I love hotcakes.  I've missed maple syrup!  

[sk123]

Oh boy, this one is going to be hard! What a great challenge...

[Sandymac]

Oh boy.. this takes me back. ... Remember I told you of our friend from Canada we met while living in Freeport , Grand Bahama back in the 60's .. yeah, yeah, I know...that was waaay back when.  He was all of 19 and sort of adopted us.. well, we weren't much older ...He shared this with us although it isn't a recipe exactly.. I hadn't thought of it in awhile ..  .

Simply vanilla ice cream and boiling hot maple syrup poured over it ... Wish I had a bowl of that now !
S.

[prariegal]

Glazed Baby Carrots with Maple Syrup

2 pkg. (340 g. each) baby carrots
1/4 cup Kraft Catalina dressing (can use calorie wise)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp. butter
Cook carrots in boiling water until tender - 15 min.  Drain.
Mix dressing and syrup in separate saucepan until mixture is bubbling while stirring.  Add carrots and cook until glaze is thickened to desired consistency, stirring as you go.
Add butter, stir until melted.

(adapted from kraftcanada recipe.  they added 1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted, which would be great if you can eat nuts)  

Tried this at Thanksgiving and it went over well with adults and youngsters alike.