Maple syrup is derived from the sap produced by maple trees. These maple trees, before winter, store sugar which rises in spring time. It is then tapped and concentrated. Maple syrup has many uses and can be incorporated into a variety of foods. It is popularly used as a sweetener in waffles, pancakes, French toast and oatmeal. It is also often used in making candy and desserts because of its high sucrose content.
One of the products that can be made from maple syrup is maple butter. Contrary to its name, maple butter is dairy-free. Here, maple syrup is cooked at 112°C or 233.6°F. It is then cooled at 4.4 °C (40 °F) then subjected again to 15.5°C (60 °F), stirring it constantly until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. The consistency of maple butter is light and creamy, much like peanut butter. To give it a little twist, cinnamon is added to this creamy confection creating what is known as maple cinnamon butter. Grade A maple syrup is often used to make maple butter and has a light tan color. However, because of the waiting time and the slight difficulty to make this, another way to make this creamy confection was created. Instead of subjecting maple syrup to heat, real dairy butter is blended with one part maple butter. Not only is it easier to do, it also does not require cooking and can be made in a matter of minutes.
Maple butter can be used in a variety of dishes. In fact, maple butter is used as a spread or frosting for cookies, cakes and other pastries. It can be used as a substitute for sugar as well. It also goes best with butternut squash or sweet potato biscuits. A dab of maple butter can add a little zest to plain crepes, French toast and waffles. Let your creativity reign and discover how much difference a little maple butter can make.