4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Storey Publishing for supplying me with a free ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
Are you passionate about maple syrup? Wanting to know more about how it is made, who makes it and what best to use it in? Then this book is definitely for you.
As a lover of whole foods and knowing where my foods come from I really loved the beginning of ‘Maple syrup cookbook’ as it went into the history of maple syrup, how it is harvested, refined, the different grades and their best uses and so on. Exactly the sort of thing I love when it comes to getting to know my foods. I also enjoyed the snippets throughout the book ‘Sugarmaker profile’ as it was a tip of the hat to maple syrup producers… and I really do feel the people producing the food we eat need to be acknowledged. They’re the folks feeding us so let’s know them to thank them!
Then we come to the recipes and anyone who can share pancake, waffle and granola recipes with me is onto a sure fire winner!
Add to that the gorgeous pictures throughout the book – something I’ve grown accustomed to expect from Storey Publishing – and this book is great.
I will say that in the sweet recipes there was a little too much sugar for my liking, and – due to food intolerances and allergies – I’d have to tinker with most of the recipes myself… but those are personal issues and no fault of the book! The recipes themselves are the way I like them – short, sharp and shiny. Easy to read, give a bit of an intro into what they’re all about, plus offer alternatives and options for most. The cooking temps were in both Fahrenheit and Celsius (always a bonus for me) and there is a conversion table at the back for getting your measurements right.
The recipes themselves are a really good mixture too, from your traditional maple syrup at breakfast through to some really great marinades, salad dressings and sweet treats.
And those pies and tarts! Maybe reading this book before breakfast some mornings wasn’t the best idea… but I really want to go tackle some of the pies despite it being the height of summer and not the best time to have the oven on! 😉
I had been hoping for more of a cook book that replaced sugar in things with maple syrup, as it is a far healthier option. So, yes, being the ‘hippy dippy foodie’ (as certain people call me) with my grain free this and dairy free that and unrefined sugar or no sugar style of cooking… I had been hoping for something different.
BUT! I really wasn’t disappointed in the cookbook I got. It is a traditional USA style cookbook, it is what it is and it is still filled with some yummy, wholesome and simple to make foods. I’m a big girl; I know how to experiment and convert to meet my family’s food intolerance and allergy needs. This book is fine the way it is and doesn’t need to change a thing! I just wanted to put this in my review to let others of my food ilk know it might be about maple syrup, but it’s not a refined sugar alternative cook book, just a cook book highlighting how amazing and delicious maple syrup is.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. Fans of that gorgeous maple syrup taste who want to learn how to best use this amazing ingredient in more than just their pancake topping should buy this book. All cooking skill levels can use and enjoy this book and those folk like me who need to alter recipes (or skip the ones using loads of pre-mades) would also enjoy this book. It comes across as a very flexible, user friendly and useful cookery book to have.
Would I buy this book for myself?
I found enough recipes in ‘Maple syrup cookbook’ to make me want it. But I freely admit to having a cookery book habit and own many, many cook books so may be seen as just some girl who can’t say no. 😉 Actually, the less room I have left in my house for books the pickier I am getting, so to still want a copy of this, I’d say that shows I really loved it.
In summary: Do you love maple syrup? Do you want to know more about where it comes from, how it is made, who makes it and how to use it in meals throughout your day? Then you should grab this book, well worth it.
Janis's Journal 