Sunday morning pancakes just got better! Who needs store-bought syrup full of questionable sugars and added dyes when you can make it yourself and have full control over the ingredients? The best part is you can whip up this maple syrup before the pancakes are done flipping.
The ingredient list is pretty simple, and it’s up to you the quality of the sugars and flavorings you use. I used maple and vanilla extract that I had on hand, but I have found some high-quality flavorings online by doing a quick search. I didn’t know you can buy pure maple extract right from the maple trees in Vermont! Look for Cooks brand maple extract if you want to give it a try. With a higher quality extract, you would want to use less in your recipe since they’re more potent than the inexpensive alcohol-based extracts.
Maple Syrup Ingredients
- 1c water
- 2c dark brown sugar
- 1c granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maple extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add all ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and stir. The sugar will begin to dissolve as you bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Do not over-boil. It will burn quickly.
Once your syrup is done simmering, pour it into whatever container or jar you plan to store it in, and it will thicken as it cools. I poured mine into a canning jar, one because I have extra and two because it looks cute on the counter.
A Sweet V-Day Gift
Valentine’s day is coming, and I thought I would turn this adorable jar into a gift. When something is this sweet, you have to share! So let’s do a little crafting.
To make a fabric cover for the lid, simply pick out a pattern you like and cut it into a 5″ circle. I recommend fabric scissors if you have them, especially if the fabric has a pattern, but regular scissors will work too. Place the flat part of the lid on the jar and lay the fabric over it. Then, screw the rest of the lid on. Now you have a cute jar!
Next, we will make a heart-shaped tag. You can write whatever you want on the tag or put the name of the person you’re giving it to. I used a cookie cutter to trace the heart shape onto red card stock and cut it out. With a gel pen, I wrote a message and did a little doodle around the side. Then, I used a hole punch and some twine to tie the tag to the jar. It took a few tries to get the bow to sit nicely for the picture. Why are bows so difficult? You might find it easier to use ribbon.
Who would ever expect to receive a beautiful jar of homemade maple syrup for Valentine’s day? No one! I hope you love this recipe and share it with you’re friends and family this Valentine’s day.