Maple Syrup

The sugaring season has quickly come and gone, but for those who put in the hard work, it was short and sweet.

Whether you're doing your own small scale operation on your property or supporting local syrup producers, here are a few ways to enjoy one of the sweetest thing nature has to offer.

Maple Baked Apples

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 6 large tart apples, stemmed, cored and hollowed out
• 6 tablespoons raisins
• 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place apples upright in oven-proof baking dish. In a small bowl, mix raisins, walnuts and cinnamon together. Fill each apple with 2 tablespoons of the raisin mixture.

2. Mix maple syrup with water and pour over the apples. Bake 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Occasionally baste with maple syrup sauce. Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla yogurt if desired.

Maple-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1-½ hours
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Arrange the chicken, onion, and sweet potatoes in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the oil over the chicken and vegetables and season with the salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Drizzle with the maple syrup and top with the sprigs of thyme.
3. Roast, stirring the vegetables once, until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.