If you live in some colder regions of the US and Canada, then you probably know about Maple Syrup and how it is a big part of winter. But did you know that December 17th is also known as “National Maple Syrup Day”? Marking the start of maple syrup season, National Maple Day welcomes the beginning of a year-long tradition of enjoying maple syrup.
History of National Maple Syrup Day
National Maple Syrup Day was created to honor the delicious substance made from boiled-down maple tree sap. While most people think of Canada when they think of maple syrup, the United States also has its own production area—most notably Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine but other northern states as well as southern ones like Georgia.
Maple syrup is a sweet liquid most often made from the xylem sap of sugar maples, but it can also be produced from red and black maples.
In cold climates, where a lack of sunlight in winter can limit chlorophyll production and other vital nutrients, maples store starch in their trunks and roots. In the spring, the stored carbohydrates convert to sugar that rises in the sap, bringing with it a delightfully sweet flavor.
Maple trees are tapped for their sap. A hole is drilled into the tree, and a tap is fitted to collect the sap, which is then heated to evaporate much of its water content, leaving the concentrated syrup. Indigenous North Americans used maple syrup long before Europeans did.
Aboriginal oral traditions and archaeological evidence suggest that the local indigenous people were boiling maple tree sap hundreds of years before Europeans arrived in the region. Perhaps the Europeans learned how to refine this syrup from the local people when they settled there.
Regarding maple syrup production, the Canadian province of Quebec is by far the largest producer, contributing to more than seventy-five percent of the world’s output. The United States takes a close second.
Making Pancakes for National Maple Syrup Day
Ingredients
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 sliced pear
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour (or Bisquick)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cranberries
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup whole peeled almonds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt).
- To make the batter, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until the batter is complete. Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Place ½ cup-sized scoops of pancake batter into a greased frying pan over medium heat. Add white chocolate chips, cranberries, almonds, and sliced pears to the pancake batter, spreading evenly.
- Cook until bubbles appear and the bottom of the pancake is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook until the other side is also golden brown.
- Cook three pancakes at a time, stacking them up after each batch.
- Top each pancake with a few dried cranberries, whole almonds, and pears if you’d like. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for garnish.
Bonus Recipes To Celebrate National Maple Syrup Day
Cinnamon Walnut Fig Waffles
I have found a way to make vegan waffles that are delicious and good for you. These waffles have whole wheat flour, ground flax seeds, and almond milk, which makes them healthier than a typical waffle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (all-purpose works, too)
- 2 cups almond milk or your fav non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup dried black mission figs (make sure to remove the stem rub and cut thin slices)
Instructions
- Measure the milk out and then add the apple cider vinegar. Let it sit while you do something else.
- Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- To make the batter, combine the flax seeds and milk in a bowl and mix vigorously until frothy. Add the mixture to flour along with water, olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix with a wooden spoon until mostly combined, then fold in the figs and walnuts until all ingredients are moistened.
- Preheat the waffle iron, and let the batter rest while it gets hot. Spray the waffle iron liberally with oil or cooking spray, then cook according to your waffle iron’s directions and garnish with extra walnuts and fig halves.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Waffles
Say hello to the most delicious and impressive breakfast or dessert you’ll ever make. These gluten-free chocolate waffles are just the indulgence you were looking for, and they can be topped with ice cream or maple syrup and strawberries any way you like.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 4 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup oil
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Before making waffles, ensure your non-stick waffle iron is heated. To avoid sticking, spray your preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the vanilla, eggs, milk, and oil. Mix until smooth.
- Pour ¼ cup of the batter onto a hot waffle iron for small square waffles or ⅓ cup for round Belgian waffles. Cook until the center is set.
- Remove the waffles from the waffle iron.
- Serve your favorite toppings on top, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Got a sweet tooth? Look no further than this delicious pancake recipe. These pancakes are nothing short of fluffy, tender, and fluffy. They are ideal for breakfast or brunch but could also make the perfect afternoon snack. The batter will be moist and will not fall through your griddle.
Pair these pancakes with your favorite coffee (my favorite is a pumpkin spice latte) on a cozy winter morning and enjoy them with your loved ones.
Happy National Maple Syrup Day!
