MAPLE SYRUP AND SESAME VINAIGRETTE FOR SPRING GREENS
Makes about 1 cup.
The sweet edge in this dressing is a lovely contrast to a salad of arugula or watercress and spinach. The dressing keeps nicely in the refrigerator.
• 1/4 c. maple syrup
• 2 to 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar, or to taste
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vinegar, mustard and shallot until blended. Then whisk in the vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then whisk in the sesame seeds.
Nutrition information per serving of 2 tablespoons:
Calories166Fat15 gSodium50 mgSaturated fat2 gCarbohydrates8 gCalcium10 mg
Protein1 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1/2 other carb, 3 fat.
MAPLE BUTTER-BAKED PEAR SLICES
Serves 6 to 8.
Look for blushing pears at the market; these are delicious served for dessert or tossed in a salad of spicy watercress sprinkled with toasted nuts.
• 2 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp. maple syrup
• 4 large pears, cored and cut lengthwise into 1/4-in. strips
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium glass bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter in microwave or over low heat. Stir in the maple syrup.
Arrange pear slices in a single layer on a sheet pan and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Cover with maple butter. Bake, turning several times for even cooking, until caramelized to a rich brown hue, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool (about 30 minutes) before removing from the pan.
To serve for dessert, arrange the pear slices on a large platter or individual serving plates and, if you'd like, garnish with whipped cream. Or, for a salad, toss the pears with salad greens, a vinaigrette of your choice and toasted nuts.
Nutrition information per serving of 8:
Calories112Fat3 gSodium2 mgSaturated fat2 g
Carbohydrates23 gCalcium17 mg
Protein0 gCholesterol8 mgDietary fiber4 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 fruit, 1/2 other carb, 1/2 fat.
MAPLE SYRUP, ORANGE AND MUSTARD GLAZE
Makes 1/4 cup.
This doubles easily to keep on hand.
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, orange juice, maple syrup, garlic and mustard. Season to taste. Brush on meat -- pork, chicken parts or ham -- just before pulling it from the oven or off the grill.
Nutrition information per serving per tablespoon:
Calories93Fat7 gSaturated fat1 gSodium63 mg
Carbohydrates8 gCalcium10 mg
Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1/2 other carb, 1 1/2 fat.
