Have you ever picked up a bottle of REAL maple syrup, and then put it back because of its price? I have. Then one day several years ago, I took the plunge and actually bought a bottle. I’ve never looked back. I discovered very quickly that REAL maple syrup is worth every dollar.

While more expensive than the old stand-bys, Log Cabin, Aunt Jemima, or Mrs. Butterworth’s, the benefits of pure maple syrup truly outweigh its cost. Simply put, besides all its uses, the real stuff isn’t built around high fructose corn syrup and has actual health benefits that you don’t want to miss out on! For instance:

Lowers cholesterol. Who knew a sweetener could do this? Lots of research shows it to be true.

Prevents liver inflammation. This benefit was discovered when the cholesterol research was going on.

Fosters brain health. This delicious syrup prevents the clumping of certain proteins that damage brain cells.

AND it’s high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium! Plus it also contains antioxidants, vitamins, zinc, and manganese.

Now to its uses. This is a versatile food. Linda Loosli of www.foodstoragemoms.com was talking about all you can do with real maple syrup, and the list is impressive (and likely limited only to our imagination). I’ll state the obvious first:

BREAKFAST. Don’t we all love it atop pancakes, waffles, and French toast? You can also drizzle it on oatmeal, yogurt, or granola for a sweet and nutritious breakfast.

BAKING. It’s a great natural sweetener for cakes, cookies, and bread. It adds a unique flavor and richness to baked goods. And don’t overlook the flavor punch it can give to pie filling and even pie crust.

FROSTING. Closely connected to baking is frosting. Maple syrup’s smooth texture and sweet flavor balance out a cake’s richness and add an extra layer of flavor.

SNACKS. Maple syrup can take snacks to a whole new level. Drizzle it on popcorn, roasted nuts, apples, or dried fruits. Its sticky texture helps other ingredients adhere to it, creating a delicious snack mix. When you’re done, you’ll have snacks that may qualify as candies.

SMOOTHIES. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, flavor, and the above-mentioned antioxidants, vitamins, zinc, and minerals like manganese.

ICE CREAM and YOGURT TOPPING. It’s sweetness and rich flavor complement the creamy texture of all frozen desserts and yogurts. (Its natural sweetness and creamy texture complement the yogurt’s tanginess.)

GRANOLA BARS. It is a perfect binding agent in homemade granola bars or energy balls. Its sticky texture holds the ingredients like oats, pecans, and other nuts together and makes it all so deliciously chewy.

GLAZING. Maple syrup can be used as a glaze for roasted vegetables, tofu, or meats. Its natural caramelization properties create a beautiful golden color and crispy texture.

MARINADES. It’s perfect for marinating chicken, pork, and salmon. Its sweetness pairs well with savory spices and herbs, creating a delicious flavor combination.

MEAT RUBS. Maple syrup lends itself really well to grilling or smoking. When mixed with spices and herbs, its natural sugars caramelize on the meat’s surface, creating a flavorful crust.

MEAT TOPPING. It’s scrumptious over bacon, ham, and sausage. The syrup’s sweetness paired with these meats’ smokey flavor are always a crowd pleaser.

SAUCES. It’s a terrific base for barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or dipping sauce thanks to its sweetness and viscosity.

SALAD DRESSINGS. It adds true sparkle to vinaigrettes and creamy-style dressings. Its subtle sweetness balances out tart or bitter ingredients such as vinegar or citrus.

VEGETABLE CARMELIZER. Carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes are especially tasty this way. Maple syrup’s natural sugars create a crispy exterior and tender interior, enhancing the vegetables’ flavor.

CHEESE PAIRING. When paired with cheddar, brie, or goat cheese, its sweetness balances out the cheese’s saltiness and tanginess.

TEA SWEETENER. Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in tea, herbal infusions, or chai latte. Its unique flavor adds depth to the drink and enhances the tea’s aromas.

ENERGY BOOST. Its glucose provides a quick burst of energy without causing a sugar crash.

FACIAL MASK. Like raw honey, maple syrup can be used as a natural ingredient in DIY facial masks. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help to nourish and hydrate the skin, especially when combined with aloe.

Finally, let’s talk about maple syrup grades. Grade A has a golden color and mild flavor. Grade B is harvested later in the sugar-gathering season. It’s amber in color, has a more intense and robust flavor, and is higher in nutritional value.