Fun Recipe Friday: Cooking With Maple Syrup

We had a post earlier this week, stating the benefits of using maple syrup as an alternative sweetener to refined sugars.  Not only is it a less processed sweetener than table sugar, it is nutrient rich.  We have two great recipes below that are easy to prepare, use maple syrup, and should please most kids!

Maple Baked Salmon

For kids who are picky about fish, this might prove to be a crowd pleaser!  Omit the nuts if allergies exist.

4 skinless salmon fillets (each fillet should be about 3 ounces) 
1/2 cup  almonds, chopped coarsely (optional)
1/4 cup  maple syrup 
1/4 cup  orange juice 
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
2 tablespoons  light soy sauce 
2 cloves garlic, crushed

In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic.  If using almonds, finely chop by hand or mince in a food processor and add to mixture.  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place fillets in a lightly greased casserole dish.  Marinate fillets with about 1/3 of the mixture.  Cook for 20 minutes (do not overcook!).  Marinate two times during the cooking process.

Maple Cinnamon Roaster Almonds

My kids love almonds.  It's a great way for them to get some omega-3's and calcium.  It's a great unprocessed snack.

2 cups  whole almonds 
1/4 cup maple syrup 
2 teaspoons  canola oil 
2 teaspoons  vanilla 
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Roast the almonds on a large square baking sheet at 350ºF (180ºC) for 10 minutes. 

Take the almonds out of the oven. 

In a saucepan, mix together the maple syrup, canola oil, vanilla and cinnamon. Heat at medium and add the roasted almonds to the saucepan. Toss until the almonds are evenly glazed and covered with the syrup mixture. 

Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with vegetable oil. Spread the maple almond mixture onto the parchment paper and let cool. 

Enjoy the same day or store in an airtight container (ideally in the refrigerator) to enjoy throughout the week. 

Recipes care of and inspired by Healthy Eating Magazine.

Have a great weekend....and happy cooking!