Tag: maple syrup

Exploring Natural Sweeteners : Maple Syrup

Posted by Nerd on

One of our biggest issues as humans is our consumption of sugar or our addiction. On average we consume way too much sugar daily. Some great alternatives to help curve the habit, with moderation is maple syrup. Maple syrup was produced way before European settlers came to America. It holds cultural significance to many aboriginals and native American tribes. They viewed maple sap as a source of energy and nutrition.

Canada produces 30 liters of maple syrup a year, which leads to 80 percent of the world production. The maple leaf is Canada’s natural symbol which is featured on their flag. Maple syrup is graded by how much light passes through it. Make sure depending on the color that it’s not mixed with filler syrups like High Fructose, or Rice Syrup. Rice syrup is a common filler in honey.

Since maple is an unrefined natural sweetener, it contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

 Some health benefits are:

  • Rich in antioxidants properties, 65 to be exact, that can help delay or prevent diseases caused by free radicals such as cancer, or diabetes.
  • Protects against various cardiovascular disorders
  • Helps maintain a healthy heart
  • Aids in maintaining male reproductive health.
  • Boosts Immune system
  • Fights Inflammatory Diseases
  • May Help Protect Against Cancer
  • Helps Protect Skin Health

 In all plants, a sort of sugar is naturally present. Plants’ primary sugar is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when the sunshine comes into contact with the plant’s leaves. Sucrose is the most prevalent type of sugar found in maple syrup (at least 66 percent of the sugar in maple syrup must be sucrose in order for it to be considered pure).

Maple syrup is considered, by many, to be a “green choice.” This is due to the fact that a tree is not harmed when the sap is extracted. Keep in mind, the sap is the core ingredient, this is indeed a green choice. Maple syrup is quite popular in the vegan lifestyle. This choice has proven to be an excellent substitute for the ordinary sugar. Pure maple syrup has been called the complete and total “green choice.” Many individuals have named this is a green option. It ought to be noted, maple syrup does not harm the environment. This is a natural item.

Chipotle Maple Sweet Potatoe Burgers [VEGAN]

Posted by Nerd on

Makes 4 yummy veggie burgers

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil 
  • 1 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced small
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1/2 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup quick cooking oats, dry
  • 1/8 cup pecans, minced
  • 1 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoons flax meal
  • 1 tablespoons quinoa
  • 1 cup of baby Bella mushrooms, quartered
  • dash of kosher salt or sea salt (½ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 tablespoons maple syrup or Mike’s Hot Honey
    • If you choose the honey, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 4 hamburger buns

STEPS:

STEP1: In a medium saucepan, add the diced sweet potatoes and cover with water. Add a dash of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until very tender. Drain and set aside for later.

STEP2:

In a medium frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the onions are brown.

STEP 3: 

In a large bowl, add the oats, add the quinoa, through spices and pepper. Whisk well to combine. Add the boiled sweet potatoes and the onion mixture as well as the maple syrup. Using a wooden spoon, mash the sweet potatoes and mix everything together very well.

STEP 4:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat your hands with a non-stick cooking spray and form the burger mix into eight large patties. Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer.

STEP 5:

Bake at 400 F for about 45 minutes, turning the patties over halfway through. Once done, remove from oven and allow to rest for about 5-10 minutes.

This will set the patties.

Serve hot, with barbecue sauce. Add avocado, arugula to buns for serving

add some Sweet Potato Fries to the Mix