In November, I made potentially my biggest commitment to date. I bought a dog (a cockapoo) and called her Maple. She’s absolutely gorgeous and I’m totally obsessed, and so it felt only appropriate to name her after my favourite breakfast syrup. As an ode to my new four legged friend, I wanted to share my favourite ways of enjoying Maple Syrup with breakfast- at home for the moment but out and about soon (fingers crossed!).
Pancakes/Waffles
The first and most important mention has to be American style pancakes and waffles. With options to add blueberries, chocolate chips, banana and so much more into the mixture or as toppings, the sky is the limit when it comes to potential combinations. One thing has to be consistent- that’s a generous drizzle of maple syrup all around. I generally save these for the weekend but they also come out on birthdays, obviously pancake day and any other celebration I can get my hands and the bottle on.
Porridge
Especially on those cold mornings, and during the week Porridge is the dream. Fairly quick, easy and again so adaptable when it comes to toppings. Personally I alternate between peanut butter and maple syrup as the start of the show. Then I’ll add a pic n’ mix combination of berries, nuts and seeds to give that energy for the day ahead. Ready to take on whatever the world serves your way!
French Toast
As someone who is mostly veggie, I’d take mine with some yoghurt and seasonal fruit compote. Otherwise you’ve got to go all out with bacon here and potentially sausages too. French toast (or eggy bread) is always one that looks super impressive and can still be whipped pretty quickly so keep this one up your sleeve for when you’re looking to impress or mix things up.
Homemade Breakfast Bars
For those who don’t have much time in the morning and are more keen on the breakfast prep side of things, breakfast bars are the dream. Typically oats would be the base and then all sorts can go in. But maple syrup is the key secret ingredient here and oh so good. They’re baked in the oven then cut up into squares and store in then fridge for a good 3-4 days (although I don’t think I’ve ever had any left past then ). Mornings made that much simpler.
Granola and Yoghurt
With lots of granola recipes out there, again a quick raid of your pantry can see an impressive jar of granola made within the hour- and it’ll last ages! One key theme in the best ones will have… you guessed it- a good dose of maple syrup. Store it in a mason jar and then top onto your yoghurt with some fresh fruit. Pick up that newspaper or magazine, sit back and be really pleased with yourself.
All fuelled up, it’s time to take the dog for a walk. Come on Maple!