Maple syrup (optional)

Description

Maple syrup is a clear to amber liquid with a warm, caramel-floral aroma and a balanced, deep sweetness with a subtle hint of oak bitterness. Its natural consistency is often less thick than honey, and the color and intensity of flavor depend on the clarity and cooking degree of the maple sap. From a nutritional standpoint, it is a concentrated source of carbohydrates (mainly sucrose) providing calories, but also small amounts of minerals such as manganese and zinc, as well as antioxidant compounds; it is advisable to use it moderately as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. In the kitchen, maple syrup pairs well with pancakes and oatmeal, serves as a sweetener for yogurts, dressings, marinades, and glazes for meats, and acts as an ingredient in baked goods and desserts, enhancing flavor without an artificial aftertaste. Store in an airtight container, preferably glass, in a dark, cool place; once opened, it is best kept in the refrigerator, and any crystallization can be easily removed by warming it in a water bath.