Maple Syrup doesn't have to come from the store.

When I was growing up, one of the surprises my mom pulled out of her recipe box was homemade maple syrup. Waking up to the smell is a great way to start the day. I keep a fancy syrup bottle around for refills when we run out.



Here’s the recipe:

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 tablespoon maple flavoring
1/4 tablespoon vanilla

Bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Boil for five minutes. Remove from heat and add flavorings.



Serve warm, or store in an airtight container.

If you are morally opposed to corn syrup as some people are, or are allergic as other people are. You can replace the syrup with 1/2 cup water. This will make the finished product thinner, but the taste will still be divine.

As a variation, try using other flavors, such as black walnut or orange.