“Pig in a Blanket” with Maple Caramel Sauce

This week’s star ingredient is the mighty maple syrup.

Real maple syrup has a flavor all its own that science has yet to completely understand. For many of us it is the flavor of home, bringing to mind warm memories of lazy weekend mornings with our families. British culinary expert Delia Smith described maple syrup as “a unique ingredient, smooth and silky textured, with a sweet, distinctive flavour – hints of caramel with overtones of toffee will not do – and a rare colour, amber set alight. Maple flavour is, well, maple flavour, uniquely different from any other.” 1

Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. In cold climates, maple trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter. In the spring the starch is converted to sugar that rises in the sap. Maple trees are tapped by boring holes into their trunks and collecting the exuded sap. The sap is heated to evaporate most of the water, leaving the concentrated syrup. A shelter built for that purpose is called a “sugar shack.” Forty to fifty gallons of sap are required to make just one gallon of precious syrup.

Aboriginal peoples living in the northeastern part of North America were the first groups known to produce maple syrup and maple sugar. These tribes developed rituals around maple syrup making, such as celebrating the Sugar Moon (the first full moon of spring) with a Maple Dance.

The practice of maple syrup and maple sugar making was adopted by European settlers. During the 17th and 18th centuries, cane sugar had to be imported from the West Indies. Thus, locally-made maple sugar and syrup gained popularity.

Abolitionists used maple syrup and maple sugar before and during the American Civil War, because most cane sugar and molasses were produced by Southern slaves.

Because of food rationing during the Second World War, people in the northeastern United States were encouraged to stretch their sugar rations by sweetening foods with maple syrup and maple sugar, and recipe books were printed to help housewives employ this alternative sweetener. 2

Today, maple syrup operations or “sugar shacks” are open from mid-March to mid-April, which is considered Maple Fest time. Quebec, Canada and Vermont are the world’s largest maple syrup producers. Visitors can take sleigh rides out into the woods to see the trees tapped and the sap collected, and tour “sugar shacks.”

Maple Fest activities can include pancake eating contests, community meals featuring maple syrup, live performances and fiddling, electing a Maple Queen, antique and craft shows, and maple product sales.

Children often make maple taffy by pouring a stream of boiled maple syrup onto fresh snow where it hardens. 3, 4, 5

Maple syrup is graded according to its density and translucency. In the United States, maple syrup is divided into two grades: Grade A and Grade B. Grade A typically has a milder flavor than Grade B, which is very dark and rich.

In the United States, a syrup must be made almost entirely from maple sap to be labeled as “maple.” It consists primarily of sucrose and water, with small amounts of fructose and glucose. It also contains some potassium, calcium, zinc and manganese. 6

Scientists have found that maple syrup’s natural phenols – potentially beneficial antioxidant compounds – inhibit two carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes that are relevant to type 2 diabetes. 7

This week’s recipe is “Pig in a Blanket” with Maple Caramel Sauce. The smoky plant-based sausage, rolled inside a fluffy pancake, dipped in warm maple syrup is a classic finger food favorite. The maple caramel sauce is a luxurious variation of traditional maple syrup. Its flavor is brightened by a pinch of salt, and gentle simmering. Serve dish with fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. Water can be substituted for plant-milk.

Making pancake mix is easy, and allows for customization with one’s favorite whole grain flour. My favorite grain to use is khorasan, which gives pancakes a fluffy texture, and nutty flavor. Whole wheat pastry flour also works well and is widely available in bulk at health food stores. This week’s pancake recipe is an adaptation of Alton Brown‘s “Instant Pancake” recipe.

Hints for Whole Grains: When adapting recipes for whole grains, use 4/5ths of the amount of white flour called for. This accounts for the increased liquid absorption into the bran. Using an equal amount can result in a tough, dense baked good. When used in the correct proportions, whole grain flours can produce fluffy baked goods with a delicious “nutty” flavor.

Hints for Fluffy Pancakes: Use fresh baking soda and powder, whip aquafaba, preheat pan, once flipping pancake cook just until set, do not press on pancake with spatula, and serve immediately.

Watch a video about maple syrup production:

Making Maple Syrup

Listen to some sugar shack music while cookin’ up breakfast!

Sugar Shack by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs

“Pig in a Blanket” with Maple Syrup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Pancake Mix Ingredients:

6 cups whole grain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
Optional: 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice

“Pig in a Blanket” Ingredients:

1/2 cup mashed banana
1/2 cups plant-milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon whole grain Pancake Mix (ingredients listed above)

2-4 plant-based sausages

Optional: Side of fruit

Maple Syrup:

1/2 cup real maple syrup
pinch of salt

Equipment:

2 Large bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spoon
Butter knife
Whisk
2-3 Frying pans or a griddle
Small pot
Spatula
2 Plates
2 Dipping bowls

Pancake Mix Directions:

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar well. Measure 1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon of whole grain pancake mix, for use in pancake recipe. Store remaining mix for future use in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use mix within 3 months.

“Pig in a Blanket” with Maple Caramel Sauce Directions:

Whisk together the aquafaba and the plant-milk + vinegar in a small bowl.

Whisk the Pancake Mix into liquid ingredients, just enough to bring it together. Don’t try to work all the lumps out.

Pre-heat pancake pan(s) and plant-based sausage pan on medium heat.

Meanwhile, simmer maple syrup and salt in a small pot on medium-low heat.

Heat syrup at a foamy boil for 1 minute, until thickened slightly. Pour into dipping bowls. Set on serving plates with optional fruit.

Check to see that the pans/griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the pans/griddle. The pans/griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.

Cook plant-based sausages in one pan until browned and cooked through.

After plant-based sausages begin cooking, cook 2 pancakes in other pan(s)/griddle. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancakes and the pan/griddle-side of the cakes are golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook just until the pancakes are set, to maximize moistness and lightness.