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Modernized Sugar Shack Recipes

On a spring day when the maple trees’ water was flowing abundantly, Béatrice’s in-laws invited Brigitte and Ricardo to their sugar shack in Sutton. The two families took the opportunity to boil some maple water and gather around the table. Inspired by this meeting, we developed a sugar shack menu that blends tradition with modernity to appeal to a newer generation.

1. Maple-Rosemary Cocktail

There’s no need to wait for dessert to eat some maple taffy on snow; you can enjoy some during happy hour. In this cocktail, you’ll note the freshness of the white apple vermouth and the resinous aromas of the gin and rosemary. You’ll also find the latter in the sugar, which is used to coat the rim of your glass to give it a frosted look. Fill your glass with crushed ice and add a stick of taffy to it.

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“The sugar shack is my father-in-law’s retirement project, but it has truly become a family activity where everyone gets involved during sugaring-off season.”

- Béatrice

2. Cheddar Soufflé Omelette with Maple Popcorn

Soufflé omelette is a must-have at sugar shack meals. In this recipe, we wanted to give it a more indulgent twist. First, whisk the eggs with maple syrup, then add cheddar cheese while the omelette cooks in the skillet, before it goes in the oven. Once baked, garnish with a vinegar-dressed herb salad and, for a final touch, top with maple popcorn. Surprising yet delicious.

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3. Cream of Chickpea Soup with Garlic Chips and Curry Maple Syrup

Chickpeas have the same comforting power as yellow peas in the popular pea soup. However, this preparation is made much simpler thanks to canned legumes, which soak up the flavours of the curry powder, ground coriander and allspice. Add Brussels sprouts leaves and roasted chickpeas as a garnish, along with garlic chips. A drizzle of maple syrup intensifies the soup’s flavour.

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4. Giant Maple Ham Sandwich with Sesame Coleslaw

For Ricardo, ham remains an essential part of the sugar shack experience, but it can certainly be modernized. Give it a bold aromatic base with fresh ginger, garlic, hot pepper and soy sauce. You can cook it fast in the pressure cooker or slow in the slow cooker for a very tender meat. It can be enjoyed as is or served in a giant sandwich with an Asian twist, accompanied by a sesame and roasted crushed peanut cabbage salad. It’s a far cry from the usual braised ham and boiled potatoes.

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5. Spinach and Bacon Salad with Maple Dressing

Between the maple-glazed ham and the hearty cheddar omelette, lighten your meal with this salad made of endives, radicchio, apple slices and finely chopped celery for a crisp texture. The salad is dressed with a maple and miso dressing, which makes for a delightful balance of sweet and umami flavours. Sprinkle large pieces of caramelized bacon spiced with coriander seeds, pepper and aniseed. Because we’re at the sugar shack, after all!

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6. Maple Sticky Buns

These light sticky buns with a hint of cinnamon and a maple butter glaze are pure bliss! To achieve the ultra-soft dough, you must knead it for 15 minutes. It may seem like a long time, but it makes all the difference. In addition to the glaze, enhance the maple flavour by drizzling some warm syrup over the buns once they come out of the oven. You’ll dream about them until the next sugaring-off season!

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7. Maple Cheesecake Squares

The tartness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the maple are in perfect harmony in this cake. Made using brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs, it is a very moist and tender dessert. Cut it into squares for easy transport to a family dinner.

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For more ideas for sugaring-off season, be sure to consult our selection of recipes: