Falling Leaves and Shining Stars: The Holiday Season Begins
Cooling temperatures, peaking leaves, a crisp wind and wafting wood smoke spell Autumn's arrival. This season at the Pink Pig celebrates all things savory and cozy. Our menus are shifting from crisp green salads to harvest veggies like pumpkin, Acorn and Butternut squashes. Root vegetables and bean soups and chili are now on offer with scrumptious accompaniments such as freshly baked corn bread and artisan breads.
But center stage right now is our local Maple syrup. Drizzled into all the stews, soups and vegetables, maple syrup adds a touch of Nature's healthy sweetness.
While enjoying the view and a latte last week at the Pink Pig, a friend began discussing all the great recipes and health benefits of maple syrup. I'm sharing what I learned with you so you can reap the benefits of this elixir for your Fall table:
• maple syrup is a totally natural food
• 4 Tbls of maple syrup = the same
antioxidant value as a serving of broccoli
• maple syrup provides more than 100% of
the required daily allowance of
manganese, 37% of riboflavin and 18% of
zinc
• zinc reduces the risk of prostate cancer
• maple syrup reduces risk of heart
disease
• maple syrup has no fat
• maple syrup has 2/3 the calories of corn
syrup
• maple syrup is ten points lower on the
glycemic index than refined sugar
• maple syrup has anti-inflammatory
properties
• maple sugar is a great substitute for cane
sugar and antioxidants
MAPLE BBQ DRY RUB MAPLE BBQ DRY RUB
1T paprika
1T cumin
1T granulated onion
1Tgranulated garlic
1T chili powder
6T maple sugar
2t sea salt
1t cayenne pepper
1t crushed mixed peppercorns Combine all ingredients in a quart glass jar. Screw on lid and shake until evenly mixed.
So jump into Fall with savory healthy dishes featuring real maple syrup and enjoy nature's perfect touch for celebrating this "Holiday Season".