UPDATE: I no longer use or recommend this alternative! Go here for more information.
I used to think maple syrup was made by using 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, bringing almost to a boil and adding a capful or two of 'mapleine.' As I began to learn more about and understand whole and natural foods, I realized that only GOD can make maple syrup. :) And while I once scoffed at people who paid a few dollars for a jug of something they could make themselves for cheaper, I began to search for the best deals - which were still several times as expensive as the fake stuff - on REAL maple syrup. The kind harvested from maple trees. The kind that was better for you and natural. I enjoyed our occasional splurge, and was careful not to waste it.
I used to think maple syrup was made by using 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, bringing almost to a boil and adding a capful or two of 'mapleine.' As I began to learn more about and understand whole and natural foods, I realized that only GOD can make maple syrup. :) And while I once scoffed at people who paid a few dollars for a jug of something they could make themselves for cheaper, I began to search for the best deals - which were still several times as expensive as the fake stuff - on REAL maple syrup. The kind harvested from maple trees. The kind that was better for you and natural. I enjoyed our occasional splurge, and was careful not to waste it.
But...
I figured April 16 was time to check, and looked for it again. Still nothing. THIS time, my inquiry brought puzzled looks by the gals who searched through their mighty database. Apparently it 'had been on order last week' but wasn't even listed anymore.
It's that Maple Cartel. Those thugs priced themselves out of even Costco's market! Argh!
But I think I've found a way around it...
I occasionally bought Agave Nectar for Hubby to use, and when it went on sale this month from Azure, I bought a 44 oz jug (that's weight... it's about a quart by volume) for $7.25. I used it this morning on my pancakes and it was... not bad! Not maple-y, of course, but if I was motivated enough I bet I could mix in a bit of maple flavoring in a pinch.
I think I'll buy a case of 6 jugs next month (it's still on sale in May - $39.55 for the case), and thumb my nose at the Maple overlords. That would bring my cost down to $6.67/quart.
Oh, and the bulk price for maple syrup from Azure is almost $25!!
So, if you're hurting for something pure, natural, healthy(ish), but can't quite bring yourself to put a dollar's worth (or more) of something on each pancake you eat, I encourage you to give this a try. And then tell me what YOU think!
3 comments:
This post made me smile because when my husband and I first married, almost 10 years ago, he mocked me because I preferred the taste of artificial maple syrup the real thing. It was what I'd been raised on. He, on the other hand, not only preferred the real-deal (and wouldn't touch the fake stuff), he'd tapped trees and made his own as a boy in the rural CT town where he grew up.
I've come around since and now won't eat the fake stuff either. And yes, I sure have noticed how expensive it's getting!
Look forward to trying out your substitute rec.
I have a friend with plans to plant her very own sugar maple so she can get the stuff for free :)
Handymum, good idea! But I hope she plants more than one... I read a blog lately about some family making syrup; it took about 12 gallons of sap (not sure how many trees that took) to make ONE pint, I think! Yikes!
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