Coombs Maple Syrup
You may have read my last recipe blog post, about the pumpkin cookies. I used the Coombs Family Farm’s maple syrup and maple sugar to add some extra flavor to the cookies. However, after doing so, I didn’t want to use my maple syrup in recipes anymore because it’ so darn good that I want to savor the flavor on my pancakes in the morning instead. You know how pure maple syrup is typically fairly mild in the maple flavor department. The fake stuff seems to have more maple flavor than the real stuff? How can that be? Well, I felt pretty stupid after checking it out on the Coomb’s website. Typically, you’d think Grade A is better than Grade B? Well, it is in school anyway and so I have a feeling that Grade A flies off the shelves faster with most people thinking it’s higher quality; leading many grocery stores to only carry Grade A products according to consumer demand (at least in Omaha, I’m sure people are a little more informed out East). Makes sense. I’m pretty sure I’ve only ever had Grade A because I didn’t have a choice at any of the local grocery stores. If I did, maybe I absentmindedly picked A without putting in much thought. I received their Grade B version and was in immediate maple HEAVEN! It is really the best maple syrup I have ever tasted with a robust maple flavor that will make true maple lovers smile. Plus, it’s organic which makes me happy since I only ever buy organic maple syrup. Anwyay, Grade B only means it has a stronger maple flavor and has nothing to do with lesser quality. I think this rating system should be changed! Quite a few years ago, when I made the switch from the fake syrup to pure maple syrup, I was a little disappointed in the mild maple flavor. I got used to the change quickly and the fake stuff started to really just taste fake to me. But this Coomb’s Grade B maple syrup is definitely the perfect solution. I wish I had this first, I would have saved a lot of money searching for the perfect maple syrup and never finding it. Previously, I had been settling on Grade A dark amber because it had the most maple flavor from my grocery store options.
Coombs Maple Candy
Coombs also sent me some maple sugar and maple candy. First I’ll discuss that candy. Oh my goodness, pure maple flavor in a mouthwatering piece of soft candy that melts right in your mouth as you chew. Yep. Seriously. Anyone seen that Friend’s episode where Chandler books a romantic trip to Vermont intending to take Monica but Ross ends up going instead and goes crazy eating maple candy? Hilarious, I hadn’t thought of that episode in a long time but the memory came surging back when I took my first bite. Well, it’s different maple candy that Ross ate but had I received a package of multiple candies, I may have done the same thing. I don’t blame Ross at all:) I received the maple man, but the leaf is bigger and they also have bon bons which I can only imagine how those taste! My son also loved the maple man and did his best to steal the candy from me! In the interest of my son not eating too much sugar, I gracefully ate most of it….well, maybe that’s part of the reason? The maple sugar is also pretty amazing! The maple flavor is quite strong, just as it is in the candies and syrup, but the sugar is in fairly large crystal form. I’d like to make a big sweet pretzel and sprinkle those sugars on top to add some great texture and flavor.
I also received an interesting article that I wanted to point out before I get to that giveaway! It’s about making maple candy, of course this article caught my eye after eating that delicious candy. The article is from Hallmark Magazine with instructions from Coombs on how to make the candy in the snow. Pack some snow outside like a snowball (I’ll make sure to do this in the front yard to avoid any dog yuckies). Just heat some 100% pure maple syrup (I’d go with Grade B) to 233 degrees Farenheit without stirring, if any bubbles pop up, throw in a little vegetable oil. Pour the hot syrup into the snow in swirls. It should harden right away, if it sinks, it needs to thicken longer on the stove. How cool is that?! I’m so excited for our first snow now! …in a few months.
On to the GIVEAWAY!!!! Coombs will send you exactly what I got! Maple syrup, maple candy and maple sugar! All they ask is that you check out their website and comment on either the company, recipes or blog. It’s actually a great site with some fantastic looking recipes and useful information…such as the Grade B knowledge. I will choose the winner at random via random.org. I’m excited to hear your comments, happy winning!
UPDATE: Random.org picked #5 and that’s Angela, congratulations Angela! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your delicious maple products as much as my family has (the syrup and candy are already all gone!)
Disclosure: I was provided free product from Coombs Family Farms