Spicy Maple Syrup Recipes

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the syrup, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the spices. Cool to room temperature.
• In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, creme fraiche, 2 teaspoons of the spiced syrup and vanilla. Using a large whisk or handheld mixer, beat until the cream thickens and soft peaks begin to form (careful not to over whip).
• Divide the berries among 4 coupe glasses or dessert dishes. Dollop with the whipped creme fraiche and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the syrup. Sprinkle with almonds, if using. Leftover syrup will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

Steps:

• Mash together all ingredients in a bowl with a flexible spatula until smooth. Maple butter can be stored in refrigerator up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Combine maple syrup, butter, vinegar, thyme, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, until butter has melted and mixture is combined. Remove from heat. Stir together remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle maple mixture over cereal mixture, stirring to evenly coat. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake, stirring a few times, until crisp and golden, about 1 hour. Let cool completely before serving. Mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Split the squash into thirds and remove the seeds.
• Cut a slice off the bottom of each piece so that it sits evenly, skin-side down, in a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
• In the hollow of each piece, place 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Bake in the heated oven until fork tender, about 45 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Combine the paprika, chili powder, ancho, cumin, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
• Place salmon on lightly sprayed baking dish or tray.
• Sprinkle the fillets with the salt, then rub with the spice mixture.
• Combine melted butter and maple syrup, then drizzle each fillet with a bit of the mixture; sprinkle each with a bit of green onion.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it flakes with a fork.
• Serve with rice or orzo pasta and steamed green vegetables like broccoli, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), bok choy, or green beans, drizzled with bottled fish or oyster sauce.
• Note: ancho chile powder is available through many Latin markets or at Penzey's online. See http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysancho.html If you don't have ancho, but do have smoked Spanish paprika, try adding a bit of that! :).