Nothing Sweeter Than Ontario Maple Syrup

Maple Syrup is a Canadian household staple! For good reason, maple trees are abundant and there are 10 native species of maple trees found in Canada. That's probably why the humble maple treet is our official arboreal symbol and graces the Canadian flag.

We are lucky to work with a local maple syrup farm, Coulters Hill, to bring out customers the real deal: they use traditional methods like boiling sap over a wood fire to reduce it to syrup. They take it a step further to also produce maple sugar AND maple butter! A trifecta of maple goodness.

Corey, the man behind Coulters Hill, is one of MRKTBOX's biggest supportors - we are truly thankful for Corey and his enthusiam! He's generously provided maple syrup for us to giveaway to customers this weekend at Strathcona Market. Check out our IG for giveaway details!

Maply syrup is highly verstile - it's an excellent natural sweetner that provides a deepth of flavour that only maple syrup has. We like to use it in our MRKTBOX cookies and lattes. Scroll down for a classic Canadian dessert that showcases both Maple Syrup and another staple: Apples!

RUSTIC APPLE CRISP/CRUMBLE

• ¾ cup Oat Flakes (we love Oak Manor)

• ¼ cup flour (whole wheat, spelt, almond, buckwheat - use your fave!)

• 1/4 cup nuts/seeds (chopped walnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds - your choice!)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted

• 4 large or 6 medium apples

• 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ginger (more if you like it spicy!)

• OPTIONAL: 1-2 tbsp maple sugar

NSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350°F, lightly oil 8" baking dish and set aside

• To prepare the crumble topping, whisk together the oats, flour, nuts/seeds and cinnamon in a small bowl. Make a well in the center. Pour in the maple syrup and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated.

• To prepare the filling, toss the apples with the cornstarch/arrowroot powder, spices and maple sugar, if using, in a large bowl until completely coated.

• Transfer the filling to the prepared pan, and gently press down with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with the topping. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes or until the apples are tender. Cool completely to room temperature; then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the juices to fully thicken.

• Serve with ice cream or whipped cream! Maybe even a drizzle of maple syrup if you're feeling it!