Canada Day 2021: Celebrating the maple way

canada day

Canada Day is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with lots of delicious maple-infused food?

Canada Day is renowned for its family BBQ feasts but whether you’re planning on digging out the BBQ or doing things a little differently this year, we’ve got plenty of recipes that will get your tastebuds tingling.

Salmon is a luxurious meat and is as much an icon of Canadian food as maple syrup. So, why not combine the two with this maple glazed hot smoked salmon recipe? This is ideal if you’re planning on bringing out the BBQ, and the rich maple combined with the smoky salmon gives the perfect combination of flavours.

Alternatively, for something a little less traditional, this salmon wellington with maple basmati rice adds a quirky twist to your Canada Day celebrations. It’s a great centrepiece for any celebratory get-together and can be served either warm or cold.

We all know that Canada loves its smoked meat so this maple beer can chicken is sure to please, whatever your plans. Made with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, and chipotle chilli, it certainly packs a flavoursome punch!

Vegan variations and delicious desserts

For those who want to enjoy delicious smoky flavours without the meat, these oyster mushroom and maple ribs are a great alternative. Using king oyster mushrooms instead of meat makes this delicious BBQ rib recipe 100% vegan and the maple syrup adds a rich, tasty flavour.

If you’re wanting to create a show-stopping dessert for your celebrations, why not give this maple cookie wreath a go? The patriotic maple leaf-shaped cookies, covered in maple-infused royal icing, make the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth and are very fitting for Canada Day!

Of course, Canada’s July 1st celebrations wouldn’t be complete without some maple taffy. Taking just 20 minutes to make, this traditional treat is quick and easy, leaving you with plenty of time to spend with your friends and family. Top tip: to establish whether the taffy is ready to use without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the boiling taffy mixture into a glass of cold water and leave to cool for a few moments. If you can roll the chilled mixture into a ball, the maple is ready to use.

We’d love to see how you’re celebrating Canada Day this year and the delicious food you’re enjoying as part of these celebrations, so don’t forget to send us your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Did you know?

Québec exports its maple products to more than 50 countries

Everywhere it goes, consumers of all ages appreciate maple’s unique flavour.

Scientists are studying maple’s potential health benefits

Studies now underway include those on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols naturally present in maple syrup, with a recent study indicating that maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugar.

Maple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in most recipes

In cake and most dessert recipes, for each 250ml (1 cup) of syrup used, simply reduce the stipulated amount of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) by 60ml (1/4 cup).

A natural source of energy

Maple syrup is a natural source of energy. Check out our recipes for food and drinks before, during, and after exercise.