A few weeks ago, I had the fun opportunity to meet with members of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Council where I learned how consumers can replace all sugar, honey, molasses and corn syrup in all recipes with the all-natural and additive-free pure maple syrup. How it works is simple: consumers can replace all sugar, honey, molasses and corn syrup in all recipes with pure maple syrup by using a one-for-one substitution, then reducing the quantity of liquid ingredients in the recipe (e.g. water, milk, juice) by about a ¼ cup. So for a chocolate chip cookie recipe, you can replace ½ cup white sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar with ¾ cup maplesyrup and then reduce the liquid amounts by ¼ cup. Maple Syrup also has numerous health benefits as it provides all-natural energy booster with over 54 antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including manganese, riboflavin, zinc and potassium.

At the event, I also learned more how maple syrup can fuel workouts thanks to potassium that contains electrolyte to help regulate fluid balance and assist with normal muscle function. Maple Syrup can also be included in an interesting All-Natural Maple Sports Drink that can fuel your body during workout. For meals, there are also tons of interesting recipe ideas from sweet to savory that can add new flavors and added health benefits to your meals. Check out this Italian Meatball one for a fun new recipe idea.

Italian Meatballs with Tomato-Maple Sauce
1-1/2 pounds ground veal
2 green onions, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 slices white bread, crusts removed
1/2 milk
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
24 ounces (3 cups) tomato sauce

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine veal, green onions, garlic, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, tear bread into pieces and stir in milk. Add soaked bread to veal mixture and stir to combine. With your hands, lightly form 10 meatballs. Over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Brown the meatballs, about 3 minutes on each side.

Add the maple syrup and simmer 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the tomato sauce to boiling. Carefully add the browned meatballs and drippings to the tomato sauce. Cover, lower heat and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 25 minutes. Serve on pasta or in a sub sandwich.

Makes 10 large meatballs and 3 cups sauce

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