Thinking of Canada Day; thirsting for maple syrup

When I moved to the GTA for my internship, I knew my boyfriend would be getting "custody" of our maple syrup bottle. Since then I haven't bought any to replace it, with the knowledge that a gallon of maple syrup costs about $35 at St. Jacob's Market fresh in my mind from last summer. How can I pay $10 for 2 cups of maple syrup when, with a little trip to the market, I can pay less than $40 for 16 cups? That's like getting 8 cups free. Never mind the fact that I probably haven't consumed 16 cups of maple syrup in my life so far. And never mind the fact that the market is 140km away from my house. I want the best deal. The problem is, I've been craving maple syrup like mad lately.

So I knew I was in trouble last week when I wanted to make Maple-Flax Banana Bread -- and had to do so without any maple syrup. As I found out, melted pineapple jelly is not a great substitute for maple syrup--it certainly didn't quash my craving.


As a result, I'm left to consider buying maple syrup from St. Jacob's country online ($50 for 1 gallon), making the trek to St. Jacob's on Canada Day (July 1), or sucking it up and paying grocery store prices. Either way, it seems slightly unpatriotic to not have any maple syrup in my pantry -- especially this close to Canada Day.

While I mull over my options, why don't you take a look at these maple-infused recipes?

• Canadian Living's Maple-Glazed Salmon
• Michael Smith's Sherry-Maple Vinaigrette (you can use apple cider vinegar if you don't have sherry vinegar)
• Christine Cushing's Light Swirl Coffee Cake with Maple Syrup Glaze
• And if you're looking for a challenge, there's always maple fudge
  

While we're on the topic: What foods have you been craving lately?