Savory Maple Spice Blend

Who says maple is just for breakfast? This blend lets you explore classic maple flavor in sweet and savory dishes without the sticky mess of syrup.

Flavor Profile:

Cinnamon, Maple, Chili Pepper, Smoke

Pairs well with:

Chicken, pork, & fish - use 1 TBL for 1 lb.

Broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrots and peppers - Use 1 TBL (10 mL) per 4 cups (1 L)

Savory Maple Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. (450 g) fettuccine or 1 batch fresh pasta dough, rolled and cut (see cook’s tip)

  • 2 cups (500 mL) baby spinach leaves

  • 1 can (15 oz./397 g) solid pack pumpkin

  • 1 cup (250 mL) cottage cheese

  • ½ cup (125 mL) half & half

  • 1 oz. (30 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup/125 mL), plus additional for serving

  • 1½ tbsp (22 mL) Savory Maple Spice Blend

  • 1   garlic clove, peeled

  • ¾ tsp (4 mL) salt

  • ½ tsp (2 mL) black pepper

  •  Optional: Chopped toasted walnuts

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup (125 mL) of pasta water before draining the pasta and returning it to the pot.

  2. Immediately add the spinach to the hot pasta and toss until the spinach is wilted.

  3. Add the remaining ingredients, including the pasta water, to a blender and blend until smooth

  4. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss, with the heat off, to combine. Garnish with more Parmesan and toasted walnuts before serving, if you’d like.

Yield:

  • 6-8 servings

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 420, Total Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 720 mg, Carbohydrate 70 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugars 9 g (includes 2 g added sugar), Protein 18 g

Pretzel Chicken: : Toss 1 lb. (450 g) of chicken tenders with ¼ cup (60 mL) of mayonnaise and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of spice blend. Dredge the chicken tenders in 2 cups (500 mL) of crushed pretzels. Bake on a sheet pan lined with a rack at 425°F (230°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Maple Mustard Sauce: Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) of Dijon mustard, ¼ cup (60 mL) of maple syrup, ¼ cup (60 mL) of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and ½ tbsp (7 mL) of spice blend. Serve with fries, chicken tenders, or veggies

Maple Brioche French Toast: Whisk together 3 eggs, ½ cup (125 mL) of milk, ¼ tsp (1 mL) of vanilla extract, 1 tsp (5 mL) of spice blend, and ¼ tsp (1 mL) of salt. Melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) of butter in a large skillet. Dip 8 slices of thick bread like Texas toast or brioche into the batter and fry on both sides for 2–3 minutes each. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.

Maple Turkey Sausage: Combine 1 lb. (450 g) of ground turkey and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of spice blend. Form into patties and cook in a skillet over medium heat until well browned