When cooking or baking, pure maple syrup can make many recipes better. Not only that, it is healthier that refined sugar. Here are some ways that you can have better tasting and healthier recipes with this delicious dark nectar.
If you are baking a sweet creation, you might wish to substitute refined sugar with a sweet substitute that is made from the sap of trees. A variety of muffins will taste better without a lot of sugar. For example, you might wish to make applesauce muffins or bran muffins. You also might like to try your favorite doughnut recipe.
Pecan pie is a very sweet dessert. Although you may need to add some sugar, you also will need a sweet syrupy mixture. This will give your pie a consistency and sweetness that sugar alone cannot provide. It is also excellent for your favorite sweet potato pie recipe.
When you substitute sweet maple syrup for sugar, there are some things to know. This dark nectar has a slight acidic balance and if it is neutralized, your creation may have more body and rise more evenly. Baking soda is a good alkaline ingredient, and will help to neutralize acids.
If you are adding a cup of sweet nectar to your recipe, consider adding about one-half teaspoon of baking soda. However, some dairy products may help to neutralize acidity, so baking soda may not be necessary with sour cream or buttermilk.
In summary, maple syrup can improve many of your favorite recipes. Also, it is a healthier choice than refined sugar. It works well in all kinds of muffin recipes and also works for doughnuts. Your pecan pie will have the right texture and sweetness if you add this dark syrupy mixture. Remember that you may need to counteract its acidic content, so baking soda may be a good addition. However, buttermilk or sour cream will also neutralize acids.