• Maple roasted brussels sprouts
    Food

    Maple Sesame Brussels Sprouts and Apples

    When roasted in the oven with maple syrup and sesame oil in addition to traditional olive oil, brussels sprouts become caramelized and develop a rich toasty flavor.  Add wedges of caramelized apples in the mix for bits of added sweetness, and you have a side dish that makes a festive gathering or plant-based dinner all the tastier.  Best of all, the entire dish comes together on a sheet pan, with the brussels sprouts and apples roasting together. Ingredients 1 pound Brussels sprouts1 baking apple such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 tablespoon sesame oil2 tablespoons pure maple syrupSalt and freshly cracked black pepperOptional: Sesame seeds for topping…

  • Maple Pumpkin Crumble
    Baking

    Maple Pumpkin Crumble

    Satisfy your autumn cravings with a new take on the seasonal fruit crumble. The crumb layer that tops this maple pumpkin dessert is tasty, generous, and made without a bit of butter. As for the filling, it’s sweetened only with maple syrup and much lighter than a traditional pumpkin filling. If you’re like me and enjoy sweets on the regular, seasonal crumbles are probably high on your list of go-to desserts. From time to time, they need a little shake up though. That’s where the olive oil based crumb and lighter approach to pumpkin come into play. As you know from my chocolate chip olive oil muffins and some dessert…

  • whole roasted carrots
    Food

    Roasted Whole Carrots

    One of my grandmother’s favorite sides was a simple carrot salad. Ahead of her time in many ways, she always favored vegetable-rich eating and whole grains – not a common choice for a butcher’s daughter. Whenever I see bunches of carrots with their festive green tops, I think of the lunches we shared and her vibrant, feisty personality. Standout ingredients like sweet, tender carrots can be left whole and roasted with a simple dressing for a delicious side dish. Leave a little of the green top showing for a rustic touch. Ingredients 1 bunch small carrots 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider…

  • Maple pecan granola
    Baking,  Food

    Maple Granola

    As a child, breakfast was not my favorite meal. Some kids prefer mounds of pancakes, but my go-to breakfast was a tiny package of granola clusters. Simple and enjoyable to make, homemade maple granola reminds me of those school day breakfasts while having all the flavors that satisfy my adult cravings. When you are in the mood for a crunchy, flavorful treat in the morning or just need a fast, healthy breakfast or snack, granola is a great option. With plenty of pure maple syrup and the perfect blend of salty and sweet, this recipe makes a complete breakfast all on its own, but it also works well as a…