Weird but Wonderful Food Pairings: Get Creative With Pure Canadian Maple Syrup

Think ‘pure Canadian maple syrup’ and you probably think of pancakes, French toast or a simple glaze on meats. This summer, Maple from Canada UK is ready to flip the script with some flavour combinations that you just may not have thought of!

Paying homage to the beloved Canadian tradition of maple syrup production, Maple from Canada UK has created four brand new ‘weird but wonderful’ food pairing recipes. With consumers ready to try new twists on familiar favourites, excitement over ‘weird’ food pairings shows no signs of slowing down.

With its four grades featuring a range of flavour notes and a subtly sweet profile, pure Canadian maple syrup is a natural and versatile ingredient for both sweet and savoury dishes – even ones that combine both these elements to create tastes that will tickle the taste buds.

Coffee with meat? Soy sauce ice cream or maple, avocado and banana macarons? These combinations really do sound weird, but there is a science to how very different flavours complement each other and taste delicious. We asked flavour expert Mike Bagshaw, who is owner and founder of I.T.S, creators of all-natural flavours for the food and beverage industry, why sweet and salty or sweet and spicy work deliciously together:

“Sweet and salty or sweet and spicy combinations such as those created in these recipes by the chefs at Maple from Canada UK work because they create a flavour ‘layering effect’ in the mouth. The contrast between opposite flavour types stimulates multiple taste receptors and so the opposing flavours end up complementing one another in a ‘sweet-salt synergy’. The addition of texture, a creamy element or a heat, such as with spice, really helps to enhance mouthfeel too. The depth of flavour found in pure maple syrup makes it perfect for unexpected fusions.”

Maple and Coffee Marinated Steak

An unforgettable main course that will wow anyone who enjoys bold, complex flavours. Subtle caramel sweetness from dark maple syrup pairs perfectly with earthy espresso notes to create a distinctive flavour profile and a truly unique culinary experience.

Maple and Soy Sauce Ice Cream

A fantastic choice for sweet-toothed individuals who want to indulge alone or share with friends This daring recipe sees amber maple syrup and maple sugar combined with traditional ice cream ingredients and soy sauce to produce a creative dessert that is both sweet and salty, with subtle umami undertones.

Mike says: “In this maple and soy sauce ice cream recipe, the umami of soy transforms maple syrup into a caramel-like profile. The saltiness of the soy sauce helps to suppress bitterness and brings out the caramelised natural sugars found in maple syrup making the ice cream taste richer and more complex. Soy sauce and maple syrup actually share key flavour compounds and working together there’s a lovely balance of sweetness with umami notes.”

Maple, Avocado and Banana Macarons

A truly great option for anyone in search of an elevated dessert that will leave family and friends wanting more. Classic banana macarons are infused with avocado and hints of amber maple syrup and maple sugar to create a colourful and wholesome treat that can be eaten throughout the day.

Mike says: “Maple syrup can also act as a connector between creamy textures and brighter notes. The maple, avocado and banana macarons recipe shows how it can bring together buttery, fresh and tropical profiles into a cohesive taste experience. This is an exciting application of maple syrup that works well in desserts and bakery items.

Maple and Balsamic Vinegar Strawberries

The perfect, easy-to-make option for low-key dining occasions and summer garden parties. This recipe involves blending golden pure Canadian maple syrup with tangy, balsamic vinegar. The result is a glaze that provides a vibrant new take on the age-old Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar recipe.

Mike says: “In the maple and balsamic vinegar strawberries recipe, maple syrup smooths the vinegar’s sharp edges while enhancing the natural flavour of the strawberries – perfect for a sophisticated dessert.”

These four new weird but wonderful recipes form part of Maple from Canada UK’s wider ‘It’s Real’ campaign. Celebrating the rich flavours, diverse uses and natural health benefits of pure Canadian maple syrup, It’s Real aims to showcase maple syrup as an emblem of Canadian culture and a trusted cupboard staple.

David Colcombe, Chef Director at Maple From Canada UK, said: “One of the things that makes pure Canadian maple syrup so special is its versatility, and this campaign is a celebration of that. Its natural sweetness and range of grades make it a staple for culinary creativity, while also offering a healthier alternative to refined sugar.”

Building on this excitement, Maple from Canada UK is calling on the public to share their own weird but wonderful maple syrup recipes to be in with the chance of winning an array of maple themed gifts and have their recipe recreated by Sunday Brunch star and Maple from Canada UK ambassador James Golding.