February is one of our favorite times of year here at Great Parks of Hamilton County. As the freezing nights give way to warmer days, the sap starts to flow and maple season is officially underway!

A walk along the Pin Oak Trail at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve transforms into a trip through the sugarbush, where sap is collected in preparation for syrup production at our annual celebration. This sweet ingredient has so many delicious uses, so grab your syrup, think beyond the pancakes and enjoy these crowd-favorite recipes.

Maple Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Mix in blender and mix well. Delicious on crackers as well as pancakes or waffles!

Maple Milk

All you need is a tall glass of cold milk and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir together well for a tasty treat that’s easy to make!

Maple Salad Dressing

• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

Combine all ingredients and shake well. Serve over salad greens.

Maple Crunch

Ingredients:

• 5 cups assorted bite-sized cereal
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanuts (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.

Combine cereal in a large, shallow roasting pan. In a 2-quart saucepan, mix syrup, margarine, sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Without stirring, boil for 2 minutes.

Pour mixture over cereal and toss to coat well. Bake 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Turn out onto wax paper, breaking apart cereal as it cools. Store tightly covered.

Maple Hot Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cut-up hot dogs
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grated onion

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour.

Maple Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Place confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Blend in remaining ingredients and beat. Add more confectioners’ sugar if necessary.

Maple Basil Mustard

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup yellow mustard seeds
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons mustard powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar

Put the mustard seeds, mustard powder and water in a blender. Process for 30–60 seconds until the mixture takes on a thick, grainy texture.

Scrape into a bowl and let sit, uncovered, for 2 hours or more. This helps release some of the bitter components.

After several hours, return the mixture to the blender, along with the remaining ingredients. Process until slightly smooth, yet still somewhat grainy. Scrape into a double boiler and cook over simmering water for about 10 minutes, stirring often.

Scrape into a bowl and let cool Pack into a jar with a lid, then refrigerate; it will last indefinitely.

—
Stephanie Morris
Nature Interpreter, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve