Product Review: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

Hey ya’ll! Time to talk about coconut oil.

A while back Tropical Traditions contacted me about reviewing their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and becoming a part of their referral program. Now, I was no stranger to this company – my mom had been buying coconut oil from them in bulk for years. We had always been impressed with the quality AND price of their products. So of course I wanted to share it with you guys!

I’m sure ya’ll have heard about how healthy coconut oil is. Back in our health-craze days when we were in our teens, my husband and I ate this stuff like candy. Almost. We still enjoy it for popping popcorn, in soups and on mashed potatoes. If you get the extra virgin coconut oil, it even adds a nice coconut flavor to rice and curry.

And, just so you know, if you order anything from Tropical Traditions by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from TT in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you. Cool, huh? It’s part of their referral program.

What’s your favorite way to use coconut oil?

Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

xoxo

Erica

WIN Pioneer Woman’s Cooking Essentials!

Disclosure: The author (that’s me) received a gift package from Land O’Lakes, including two cookbooks, a whisk, a slotted spoon, tongs and a full-value coupon redeemable for LAND O LAKES^® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt, for recipe development and review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s talk butter.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a major fan of butter. Besides being incredibly healthy, it just plain tastes awesome. On just about everything. That’s why I was excited to be able to test and review some new butter from Land O’Lakes.

Pioneer woman has teamed up with Land O’Lakes to help sing the praises of one of their new products: Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt. Last month I was lucky enough to be able to attend a webinar hosted by Ree, in which she detailed some of the wonderful qualities of butter, its history and how to cook with it.

It was so informative and fun, and the folks at Land O’Lakes even sent me a thank-you package with some awesome items (more on that later). When I couldn’t find any of the butter in our little town, Land O’Lakes sent the butter straight to my door. Yep, I was impressed.

To test out the butter, I decided to see how it performed in baking. Using my buttermilk biscuits recipe as a base, I substituted the olive oil & sea salt butter for all of the fat, added a bit of rosemary and brushed the tops of the biscuits with extra virgin olive oil. They were simply scrumptious. My sisters-in-law and I gobbled them down (spread with the olive oil butter & honey, of course) before Reuben could give them a try. Poor guy was rather disappointed.

Final Breakdown of What I Think of the Butter:

• Because there is some oil in this butter, it comes to room temperature faster than “regular” butter, which is quite handy.
• I was a bit skeptical when I heard about this product – it’s “adulterating” my perfect food, I thought. And whereas I think it’s an awesome idea to pair olive oil and butter, I wish Land O’Lakes would have used extra virgin olive oil, which is much healthier.
• As for taste, it’s lovely. I would say, since there’s only one less gram of saturated fat in the olive oil butter than regular butter (olive oil is mostly monounsaturated fat), it’s still mostly butter. Thus, the olive oil doesn’t overpower the butter flavor, it just complements it slightly. It’s wonderful spread on bread and crackers. The sea salt is also a nice addition.

But on to the giveaway. Land O’Lakes will be giving away Ree’s Cooking Essentials (the same package I received) to one lucky Cooking for Seven reader! The winner will receive both of Ree’s cookbooks, a whisk, a slotted spoon, tongs, and a full-value coupon for Land O’Lakes Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

Leave a comment on this post answering the following question: What’s your favorite use of butter and/or olive oil?

Rules:

• US residents only, please.
• Only one comment per person allowed.
• You must leave a valid email address in the comment form so I can contact you if you win.
• Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 25th and 12:00 noon, Central Time. No comments will be considered for the giveaway after that time.
• Using random.org, I will choose one winner. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected.

Good Luck!

Kitchen Haul: Anthropologie, West Elm and Ikea

This Monday was our first anniversary. Yay! I have had so much fun with my new life with Reuben and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

In celebration of our anniversary, we decided to take a shopping trip to the cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul to all you non-Minnesotans).

I was able to visit Anthropologie for the first time ever. It definitely won best store that we visited.

West Elm was another first-timer for me. Wow. Absolutely lovely store.

Hey! That’s my bowl!

Here’s everything I got over the weekend.

These two bowls were from Anthropologie. The bowl on the left is no longer sold and it was on sale for about $5! On the right is the lotus bowl in blue, $4.

I found this mid-sized (7-3/4″) cake stand at West Elm. It was just the size I had been looking for! $19

Also at West Elm were these spatulas. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m always running out of spatulas when I cook. The two on the left came as a set of mini-spatulas – what a handy size! The set and the larger spatula were on sale for $3.99 each (originally $8).

When I spotted these espresso cups at Ikea, I knew I needed them. I’ve had my eye on little demitasse cups for some time. They were $2.99 each.

Also at Ikea, I found this milk frother for only $2.99. Now I can make lattes with foam!

We also had some fun dining experiences. I may write up a review when I get the chance.

What’s your favorite recent kitchen purchase?

RiceSelect Review & Giveaway + Vanilla Rice Pudding

A while back, the folks over at RiceSelect sent me a jar of “Jasmati” rice, and in exchange, I agreed to publish my opinion of it!

RiceSelect, which has been around since the 70s, was the first company to successfully produce basmati rice grown in the USA. Their rice is USA grown and milled/cleaned. I think that’s super-awesome.  They also offer whole grain and organic rice, as well as couscous and orzo.

What I found:

This is a very nice white rice. It cooks up beautifully and quickly (about 15-20 minutes from boil) and has a very good texture. I used it for Thai Coconut Rice – heaven!

Would I Buy It?

Yes. Superior quality rice is sometimes a must. And I’d be interested in trying their whole grain rices and pearl couscous. However, the shipping charges seem quite high, so it would be for special occasions.

On to the rice pudding!

When I was little girl, my mom would make us boiled rice for breakfast. White rice. Brown sugar. Cinnamon. Cream. Scrumptious. There’s still a place in my heart for creamy, dreamy white rice. I know it’s not the most nutritious meal, but oh does it taste good.

Here’s a version that’s a bit more sophisticated.

My favorite part is that this rice pudding only uses five ingredients. Five awesome ingredients: Cream, whole milk, rice, sugar, and vanilla beans.

Together, they meld into something magical and comforting. Vanilla Rice Pudding.

Vanilla Rice Pudding

Adapted from Tartelette

Printable Page

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice (I used Jasmati)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 of a vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out
• 1/2 cup demerara sugar

Directions:

1)Place all ingredients (including the empty vanilla pod) in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.

2) Remove from heat and discard the vanilla pod. Spoon into serving dishes and serve warm or at room temperature with a bit of heavy cream. Enjoy!

On to the Giveaway!

RiceSelect is offering a tote bag and two full-sized rice products (Texmati and Jasmati) to one lucky Cooking for Seven reader.

Here’s how it works:

• [Mandatory] Leave a comment on this post, answering the following question: What did you have for breakfast yesterday?
• For extra entries, tweet, blog, or post on Facebook about this giveaway. Make sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a link to the post.
• For more entries, subscribe to my RSS feed, follow me on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Rules:

Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 19, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. No comments will be considered after that time.

I will select one (1) winner using random.org.

Good luck!

I love reviewing products. It’s just fun to test out new things, discover if I really like it.

Today I’m reviewing Clearly Fresh® Bags, storage bags with a 3-inch square membrane that allows your produce to breathe.

 

The claim: Clearly Fresh® Bags can extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables by up to 50%

The Test: To test the Clearly Fresh® Bags claim, I allowed three bananas to sit on the counter for 12 days.

I chose three bananas from the same bunch. 1) was placed on the counter without a bag. 2) was placed in a Clearly Fresh® Bag and sealed. 3) was placed in a cheap (conventional) storage bag and sealed.

The Results:

Let’s start with the cheap bag. On the outside, it looks perfectly normal. But peel back the skin and you discover a nasty, squishy mess. Plus, the tip formed all sorts of nasty mold. Ew.

Now for the Clearly Fresh® Bag. On the outside it looks much the same as the banana stored in the cheap bag, but the inside was less icky and squishy. The tip was quite mushy, but the rest of the banana was fairly good. The tip also formed all sorts of icky mold, but a bit less than banana #3.

Finally, the banana stored without a bag. To my surprise, this banana performed the best on the squishy and moldy test. It was still quite edible after 12 days. However, it attracted fruit flies like crazy. Gross.

 

Conclusion: The Clearly Fresh® Bag definitely kept the banana fresher than the banana stored in the conventional bag. The banana stored without a bag stayed firm and mold-free the longest, but it attracted a multitude of fruit flies. Totally gross.

What I love about this product: The generous size: substantially larger than a gallon bag. It’s so much more convenient to store large amounts of produce in a bag that’s actually big enough! Right now I’ve got three heads of broccoli in one Clearly Fresh® Bag.

Is it worth it/Would I buy it? I think it’s worth $3.99 for 10 LARGE (12” X 14”) bags. Plus, I stored the bananas longer than Clearly Fresh® recommends (9 days is their limit). If I want to store bananas for a week without generating fruit flies, I would definitely chose the Clearly Fresh® Bag.

 

You can purchase the bags for yourself here: {Link}

 

Need some banana recipes?

Banana Nut Bread

Banana Poppy Seed Bread

Creamy Coconut Fruit Salad

Banana Cake

 

1. Gabe says:

   August 31, 2011 at 3:49 pm  (Edit)

   How is the broccoli faring in the bag? My broccoli always goes limp in the crisper so anything that kept it fresher for longer would be a god send.
2. Brenda says:

   August 31, 2011 at 9:11 pm  (Edit)

   I always lose lettuce before we use it up. Will have to give these bags a try.
3. DessertForTwo says:

   September 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm  (Edit)

   Thanks for an honest review!
   I’ve wondered about these bags. I might invest in a few for when I can’t help myself and buy too much at the market that 2 people can eat.

   Hope you’re having a lovely week being MARRIED!! 
4. Katrina says:

   September 2, 2011 at 5:27 am  (Edit)

   Thanks for the review! A great idea!
5. Cupcake recipe says:

   October 12, 2011 at 9:47 am  (Edit)

   Thank you for sharing! Nice article!

Product Review & Giveaway: Perfect Portions Scale

A few weeks ago I received this beautiful gadget and excitedly opened it. Let me share my findings with you!

The Perfect Portions Scale is a special food scale that helps you to accurately keep track of your nutritional & calorie intake. It’s a food scale + nutrition facts. Here’s how it works:

Find your food’s number in the index.

Enter the food code and place the item on the scale.

And there you have a complete nutritional analysis: calories, carbs, fiber, etc. How cool is that?

Maple Syrup Review and a Giveaway!

 

Ever since I was a very little girl, I have known what it is like to produce maple syrup. Trudging through the melting snow, hauling buckets heavy with the collected sap, and the pleasure of having your dad assure you that you are doing a good job.

I have never ever liked the horrid imitation syrups. If it’s not the real deal, I’d rather eat my pancakes with just butter.

Last week, the wonderful folks over at Coombs Family Farms sent me a sample of their maple syrup products. What initially impressed me was that they have produced 100% pure maple syrup since 1840, and have been producing certified organic maple syrup since 1988.

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When I tasted the syrup, I knew it was the real deal. It was rich and flavorful and reminded me of our own maple syrup. Their syrup has been described as a “deep, dark syrup evocative of a New England fall” and as “Deep, earthy, complex, the essence of spring in maple country (Gourmet, March 2006).”

Wouldn’t you like to try some for yourself?

Those very kind folks have sent me extra maple syrup products so that two lucky readers will win the following items:

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1 Jar of 100% Pure Coombs Family Maple Syrup

1 Jar of Maple Sugar

1 Maple Man Maple Sugar Candy

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Here’s how you can enter to win:

Leave a comment telling me whether or not you have ever tasted real maple syrup.  Make sure to leave a valid e-mail address in the comment forum.

Only one comment per person.

No comments will be accepted after Wednesday, July 29th at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.Using random.org, I will pick two (2) winners. I will then contact the winners and post the results. If the winners do now reply in 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen and contacted. Good luck!

Contest has now ended. No further comments will be accepted for consideration. Thanks to all who participated!

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Newer Comments »

1. Jen @ MaplenCornbread says:

   July 22, 2009 at 6:20 am  (Edit)

   We are just a like. I grew up on a large Canadian farm in the mild of no-where..beautiful! Every year we made our own maple syrup from our own trees…gallon and after of sweetness. I put it on everything…even eggs! LOVE it. That imitation maple “syrup” at the grocery stores makes me sick to think about!

   Wonderful giveaway! I’ve not seen that company before! I love maple candy!!

   My email: jlhamilton85@gmail.com 
2. Mireya says:

   July 22, 2009 at 7:09 am  (Edit)

   I have not tried real maple syrup. Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve never heard of maple candy or sugar!
3. Rebekah says:

   July 22, 2009 at 8:26 am  (Edit)

   I don’t think I have ever had “real” maple syrup. Unless the stuff at Cracker Barrel counts, because I’ve had that a few times. I live in Texas, so we don’t exactly have maple trees for making syrup. I have been wanting to get some real syrup though, as I don’t like the really bad for you stuff they put in the kind at the grocery store.
4. Valerie says:

   July 22, 2009 at 8:46 am  (Edit)

   My husband and I are a household divided! I grew up on the “real stuff” and can’t bring myself to use anything else. My mom and I get our supply from a local family here in West Michigan — this last year I’ve been substituting maple syrup left and right in recipes because I can’t get through two gallons on my own. D thinks pure maple syrup is too sweet; he prefers the stuff that comes in the injection-molded log cabin bottle. *Grin* I have to admit I had an affinity for Aunt Jemima when I was little…but only because I thought the bottle really could talk. Blessed to be a child of the 80’s!

   I entered your drawing, but I don’t need to win. Today is my first visit to your site. I read The Pioneer Woman and she recently launched “Tasty Kitchen.” While perusing the recipes and other members, I found “The Noshery.” She had your blog bookmarked and the title caught my attention so I came on over. I’m happy to say I will be back, but this time I’ll use the front door!

   My first try is going to be Maple & Pecan Banana Cake. Maple for me, bananas for my D. A perfect compromise! Then, your sweet onion dip. I gave my own try at it over the 4th of July —- I love Dean’s in the store…..and wanted something that tasted similar, but could be made at home. I came up with an “Ehhh” result — something’s missing. I’m curious about the addition of white wine vinegar…
5. Camille says:

   July 22, 2009 at 8:51 am  (Edit)

   Hi,

   I started following you after seeing one of your lovely recipes on Tastespotting. Your blog is awesome—I’m impressed at how well you do for still being in high school!

   I have never tried real maple syrup, even though I have lived in CANADA for the past two years. Pathetic, I know. I’d like to try it sometime, hence, entering the contest. Thanks for hosting it!
6. LadySnow says:

   July 22, 2009 at 11:31 am  (Edit)

   Yes, I have tasted real maple syrup…maybe twice…little bit each time. it is so much better. I have tasted maple sugar though at the “local” maple syrup festival. 
7. Jenna Z says:

   July 22, 2009 at 12:50 pm  (Edit)

   Mmmm, our wonderful neighbors from Canada brought us a jug of Maple Syrup as a thank you for watching their cat while they visited family. Our local Forest Preserve also does maple sugaring every fall and I love to buy a piece of two of maple syrup candy then! Yum!
8. Tara Belland says:

   July 22, 2009 at 2:13 pm  (Edit)

   I love maple syrup, and use it often to sweeten things naturally, for my toddlers and myself. One of my favorite uses this summer has been to make frozen yogurt and sweeten it with a bit of maple syrup. MMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

   Love your blog!
9. Memoria says:

   July 22, 2009 at 2:57 pm  (Edit)

   I have never tried maple syrup. I really want to, though. I’ve been debating on whether I should I buy some. Now I really hope I win. 

   Thanks for the giveaway!
10. Holly says:

    July 22, 2009 at 2:58 pm  (Edit)

    I’ve tried it a time or two.. I think? =o)
11. Candace Prosser says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm  (Edit)

    I have had what is supposed to be real maple syrup, but being born in raised in Texas I am not positive that it was. It was the organic kind from WalMart. I have had maple candy at the Ren Faire. Love it.
12. Anna says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm  (Edit)

    I buy mine from a co-op here in PA. I also stock up on yearly trips to VT. I use it in so many things. We make a lot of ice cream in my house and I sweeten it with maple syrup rather than sugar. It is amazing. I’d be happy to share my recipe if anyone is interested!
13. Pippa says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:08 pm  (Edit)

    I have had real maple syrup a number of times in my life, but unfortunately, the cost of it keeps me eating the fake stuff. Maple candy is one of my very favorites, and I’ve never had maple sugar!

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!
14. Jamie says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:31 pm  (Edit)

    I have never had real maple syrup! It sounds amazing, and maybe it wouldn’t make me sick like the fake stuff in the stores! This looks like a great giveaway!
15. Deborah says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:55 pm  (Edit)

    Real maple syrup is all I buy. I bake with it as much as I can and we enjoy putting it on whole wheat pancakes! I buy maple sugar a couple times per year. Maple sugar candy is a little to sweet for me 
    I enjoy your blog.
    Cooking for eight (down from ten!)
16. Trisha says:

    July 22, 2009 at 4:20 pm  (Edit)

    I lived in Quebec for two years and left with a true appreciation for real maple syrup (and my husband picked up a regular hankering for Quebec sugar pie). Now I’m sure to keep my fridge stocked with the stuff, no matter the cost.
17. Rebekah says:

    July 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm  (Edit)

    I haven’t eaten “fake” maple syrup for years– fortunately for me, my parents really like the real stuff.  It’s great for baking too.
18. Lisa says:

    July 22, 2009 at 4:40 pm  (Edit)

    Love your description of making syrup yourself! Thanks for offering a give-away.
19. Jennifer says:

    July 22, 2009 at 4:41 pm  (Edit)

    I have probably never had real maple syrup. I live in California and dare I say, Log Cabin is what is sold in our store for on top of our pancakes. And that is why I put jam on top of my flapjacks! LOL! But now I am going to search for the real stuff online, I have to try it!!!
20. Julie says:

    July 22, 2009 at 5:05 pm  (Edit)

    My grandparents sent us maple syrup every year from Vermont, so that’s all my mom used.
21. Melissa says:

    July 22, 2009 at 5:50 pm  (Edit)

    I have and I love it. I get a great organic at Trader Joes, but would love to try this brand.
22. Kristin O’Rear says:

    July 22, 2009 at 6:26 pm  (Edit)

    Real maple syrup is the best. It’s an acquired taste though if you’re a kids who’s used to the regular store bought syrup. As I kid I didn’t like maple syrup because it was so different from the syrup I was used to…now I love it and only wish it wasn’t so much more expensive than regular syrup!
23. Samantha says:

    July 22, 2009 at 6:46 pm  (Edit)

    I will only use real maple syrup, no matter what. I’d rather spend 20$ on a bottle then save myself the money and buy the imitation syrup. I’m staring down some maple candies right now…oh the temptation…
24. Dee says:

    July 22, 2009 at 6:51 pm  (Edit)

    I’ve never tried real maple syrup. I’ve tried the candy made from it though & thought that was delicious.
25. Rebecca (Foodie With Family) says:

    July 22, 2009 at 6:59 pm  (Edit)

    Oh yes. I, too, did the Maple Syrup and Sap shuffle with my family. We used to make enough to last us all year long. Now I’m relegated to purchasing it. But it’s worth a King’s ransom. I wouldn’t eat the caramel colored nonsense if you paid me. Well, maybe I’d eat a little if you paid me…
26. Jess says:

    July 22, 2009 at 10:13 pm  (Edit)

    I grew up on the fake syrup (ie ms. butterworths) but once i tried the real stuff i’ve never gone back!
27. Megan says:

    July 22, 2009 at 10:16 pm  (Edit)

    I have never tried real maple syrup. My boyfriend, who was lucky enough to live in many different places as a child, constantly bemoans the lack of “the good stuff” here in Texas. I’d love to be able to see what his hype is all about and to let him relive a little part of his childhood.
28. Kristina says:

    July 22, 2009 at 10:51 pm  (Edit)

    Oh yes! We know what the real stuff is and refuse to eat anything else!
    My Mom was born and raised up where the real stuff comes from.
29. Brad says:

    July 23, 2009 at 12:09 am  (Edit)

    I haven’t had real syrup before but the maple sugar candy is delicious
30. Diane says:

    July 23, 2009 at 12:12 am  (Edit)

    We love maple syrup in our house. We used to buy the fake syrups, but no more! Whole wheat pancakes drenched in butter and maple syrup is a favorite in our house. I must say I have never tasted maple sugar. I would love to be entered in your give away! Thank you!
31. Anne-Laure says:

    July 23, 2009 at 4:10 am  (Edit)

    I love maple syrup… I gobbled more than my fair share of it when I spent a year studying in Montreal, Quebec.
    I haven’t had any maple syrup ever since I came back to France, 4 years ago. I’d love to, but it is so expensive here!
32. Donalyn says:

    July 23, 2009 at 7:29 am  (Edit)

    This isn’t an entry, since I live a stone’s throw from several syrup producers, and I would not want to take the chance away from someone who hasn’t ever had the real stuff before. I just wanted to say what lovely blog you have and how much I enjoy your photos – beautiful!
33. Heidi says:

    July 23, 2009 at 7:36 am  (Edit)

    I just discovered you website about a week ago. It’s great!

    I absolutely love maple syrup. About 5 years ago I decided to give up refined sugars, and maple syrup was a fabulous alternative. I bake often with it, or maple sugar, and the results are always very well received.

    I live in Canada, and I have had the opportunity to visit a Cabane à sucre (Sugar Shack) in Quebec a few times. They are a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine that is filled with pure maple syrup, made right there! I would highly recommend visiting one.
34. Elliott says:

    July 23, 2009 at 7:50 am  (Edit)

    Yes, I have tasted the real thing and there is no going back. Accept no substitutes!
35. Tom says:

    July 23, 2009 at 8:43 am  (Edit)

    I LOVE maple syrup! For those who really like the maple flavor, keep on the lookout for “Grade B” syrup. It’s cheaper, and tastes more “maple-y.” Grade A is too delicate for my tastes. (Historical trivia: Back in the olden days, people wanted a cheaper substitute for white sugar. So the maple grades were based on how LITTLE maple flavor is in the syrup. Grade A is closest to pure sugar water!)
36. Tuggie says:

    July 23, 2009 at 10:04 am  (Edit)

    I am one of those people that thought the dark stuff in a bottle shaped like a woman was the real maple syrup. Recently though I came across a recipe for maple vinegar and decided to make it, well when I went to grab the bottle of “maple syrup” and decided to read the ingredient label. Well I was shocked when there was no mention of maple anywhere on that list. So I went to the grocery store and bought the real stuff. Well I just had to make waffles to try this new liquid out. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this stuff. Sooo darn tasty, sweet at the beginning with a slightly bitter earthy note at the end. I am never going to buy the fakple syrup again.
37. Berna says:

    July 23, 2009 at 10:31 am  (Edit)

    I have never tasted pure maple syrup and I never liked the fake stuff much. I’d love to try the real thing; I’m sure it must be delicious.
38. Tiffani says:

    July 23, 2009 at 11:59 am  (Edit)

    I haven’t had the real deal but I would love to try it.
39. Cherie M says:

    July 23, 2009 at 2:15 pm  (Edit)

    I first had real maple syrup after my parents brought back a bottle from a vacation to New England. It was wonderful – sweet, rich and far beyond the imitation stuff. My brother heartily disagreed and stuck to Aunt Jemima, but I’ve been a devoted maple syrup fan ever since. I was also able to introduce my Australian husband to it on our honeymoon to Vermont – and that’s where I discovered I like the dark amber best. The maple flavor is so much more intense than with the standard and light grades.

    I love using mine to sweeten sweet potatoe or yam dishes and a touch in the pan when roasting carrots is to die for as well.
40. Brandi says:

    July 23, 2009 at 3:25 pm  (Edit)

    I have indeed had real maple syrup, YUM. I have a great recipe for a maple syrup dijon mustard dressing that is to die for. Maybe we can trade?
41. Rox says:

    July 23, 2009 at 4:37 pm  (Edit)

    Yes I have had it and absolutely love it.
42. zarpandit says:

    July 24, 2009 at 11:01 am  (Edit)

    look delicious 
    Maple syrup not in Turkey :(((
43. Ingrid says:

    July 25, 2009 at 6:43 am  (Edit)

    Ahhhh, the taste of real maple syrup. I love it! My cousins produced it when they lived in VT, and we looked forward to getting a nice discount on the final product.

    Very generous giveaway! I don’t think the winners will be disappointed. 
44. Jenn says:

    July 25, 2009 at 9:26 am  (Edit)

    We love Love LOVE real maple syrup in our house. Hope we win.
45. nickel pickle says:

    July 25, 2009 at 12:39 pm  (Edit)

    I have had real maple syrup!! My cousin makes it every winter, they have a huge set up on their land for making the syrup. Oh and it is so good!!! I need to get some more from them.
46. Sara says:

    July 25, 2009 at 1:37 pm  (Edit)

    I stumbled onto your blog when I was looking for a recipe to use my fresh picked raspberries! I am so excited to find your site! I can’t wait to start trying some of your recipes – they all sound so good!!

    As for the Maple syrup – I just recently tried it and have been reading up on how much better the real thing is than all that watery-sugar mixes that we see in the store. I just recently found a granola recipe that calls for real maple syrup and am ready to try it but need to buy the maple syrup – maybe I will wait a few days in hopes that I win!! 
47. Percilla says:

    July 25, 2009 at 3:18 pm  (Edit)

    Thanks for the the chance to win a bottle of real maple syrup. I only have tried the “real maple syrup” from supermarkets, not from the location that produces the fresh syrup. I live in the foothills of Kentucky and have often wondered if I could tap our maple trees and make fresh syrup, but winning a bottle would be just as nice.
48. Hannah and Esther says:

    July 25, 2009 at 5:39 pm  (Edit)

    Oh yes we have had REAL maple syrup before. We lived in Michigan before Texas, and our neighbors tapped the trees on our road for syrup! It is SOOOO much better then that Mrs. Butterworths “stuff” ( I won’t ever call that syrup!)

    Love your blog of course!

    The Del sisters
49. Julie says:

    July 25, 2009 at 8:35 pm  (Edit)

    yes, I have tasted real maple syrup:) I was born and raised in New York state where every year the small town in which I grew up has a Maple Festival…
50. Betty says:

    July 25, 2009 at 8:43 pm  (Edit)

    Yes – I’ve had real maple syrup. We had friends in New Hampshire who used to send a jug for the holidays.
51. Peggy in Alaska says:

    July 25, 2009 at 8:45 pm  (Edit)

    Ah, maple syrup! We love it!!! My husband grew up on real maple syrup which came from their own trees (some of the time.) I however grew up on the imitation stuff… ugh! At present we live in the Interior of Alaska and the cost to have maple syrup shipped up here is astronomical but it is still cheaper than buying in the stores. Our children are willing to eat imitaion maple syrup but I absolutely refuse!
    By the way, I can’t wait to make the maple banana cake once I have a working kitchen back.
52. Janelle says:

    July 25, 2009 at 9:07 pm  (Edit)

    I have tried it – had a bottle once and we really enjoyed it, but more in recipes than straight.
53. Judy says:

    July 25, 2009 at 9:19 pm  (Edit)

    I grew up savoring the real Maple syrup. A small farm nearby made it yearly. I can only eat the real Maple Syrup, still. This is a special treat!

    judy7885 at gmail dot com
54. emily says:

    July 25, 2009 at 9:49 pm  (Edit)

    It was love at first bite for me and REAL maple syrup. I haven’t been able to find any real syrup this summer in Tucson, though. Sad day!
55. Nancy says:

    July 25, 2009 at 10:13 pm  (Edit)

    I have tasted real maple syrup.
    After you have tasted the real thing, nothing else ever tastes quite right! What a great giveaway! Thanks!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
56. Janet F says:

    July 25, 2009 at 10:17 pm  (Edit)

    I have had real maple syrup and I love it! It is so delicious. I can just taste it now on pancakes and French Toast!

    Thank you!

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
57. Katherine says:

    July 25, 2009 at 10:25 pm  (Edit)

    I HATE tasted real maple syrup! My grandpa buys it for me from someone who makes it in his neighborhood! Nothing better! 
58. Diann says:

    July 25, 2009 at 10:26 pm  (Edit)

    Yes I have. My husbancd and I went to the Maple syrup Festival here in Michigan back in April. It is so awesome. I also got some whipped maple butter…Oh my, talk about total yummy!!
59. Linn says:

    July 25, 2009 at 10:42 pm  (Edit)

    I have not had real honest to goodness Maple Syrup since I was about 12 years old, I can a;most taste it now. What a great giveaway! Thanks!
60. Kristy says:

    July 25, 2009 at 11:10 pm  (Edit)

    I have never tried real Maple syrup, but I bet it is delicious! I would love to try it, hope I win!
    jellibeenz1978@hotmail.com
61. Debbie says:

    July 26, 2009 at 5:26 am  (Edit)

    Yeah!! I am originally from NH so any opportunity to get the real stuff is wonderful. Thanks!!
62. Michele says:

    July 26, 2009 at 10:26 am  (Edit)

    Just this morning after a nice long walk I drenched my whole wheat pancakes in maple syrup … there is nothing like it  I would love to try this brand!

    P.S. Just found your website and I LOVE it … am making your whole wheat pizza dough right now.
63. Sylwia says:

    July 26, 2009 at 11:29 am  (Edit)

    Hey,
    I moved here from Poland a few years ago and we simply do not use maple syrup or any other maple products where I come from. I have tried some imitation maple syrup before but I don’t believe I’ve ever had REAL maple syrup. I’d love to try some!!!

    By the way, I love your blog!

    Sylwia
64. Lynne says:

    July 26, 2009 at 3:43 pm  (Edit)

    I have never had “real” maple syrup before. I only eat the imitation syrup if it is warmed up and I can pour a small amount on my plate to dip my pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc in. I would really like to try some real maple syrup! Thanks for the giveaway.

    lynnebohman@gmail.com
65. April Howell says:

    July 26, 2009 at 7:28 pm  (Edit)

    My parents would have us help them drill the holes into the maple trees and help gather the buckets. I always loved the smell of the maple syrup cooking growing up. My mom would make pancakes and waffles for dinner after we had the first jar done. I miss those days. I cant do it where I live at now.
66. Ann Marie says:

    July 26, 2009 at 7:53 pm  (Edit)

    I have never tasted “real” maple syrup. Being originally from the West Coast, then moved to the South – I’ve just been brought up with store bought syrups. Just the way you describe the flavor makes my mouth water in anticipation!!!!
67. Patti albright says:

    July 26, 2009 at 8:29 pm  (Edit)

    I have never tasted “real” maple syrup, but have always wanted to. I have read about the maple syrup from Vermont. Just looking at your pictures of the real thing, makes me want to try it.
68. Lacey says:

    July 26, 2009 at 9:17 pm  (Edit)

    Real maple syrup? It’s what I buy so that even my six children will know the original flavor.
    Every year in march my family growing uo would travel north to Highland County Virginia to attend the annual Maple Festival where we would overdose on maple candy, maple syrup and incredible maple donuts.
69. Reena says:

    July 27, 2009 at 12:30 am  (Edit)

    I’ve only heard of how incredible real maple syrup is….I want to taste it!

    Reena
    reena@themomtest.com
70. Rachel says:

    July 27, 2009 at 1:36 pm  (Edit)

    PURE MAPLE SYRUP… YUM!! I have tasted pure maple syrup =)
71. Dan Raub says:

    July 27, 2009 at 1:54 pm  (Edit)

    It has been AGES since I had real maple syrup! When I was a little girl, my girl scout troop went to see how it was made and we got to tap a tree and try to collect the sap. It was freezing cold but it was a wonderful time! A great memory! The maple candy was always a face of mine when I was little as well. Nothing beats the fresh flavors!
72. Raelena says:

    July 27, 2009 at 5:24 pm  (Edit)

    I have tasted real maple syrup before and it was delicious!

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com
73. Sue says:

    July 27, 2009 at 6:10 pm  (Edit)

    I grew up in New England, and loved maple syrup and candies. I am now lactose intolerant, and gluten free.

    A few drops of maple syrup on my gf oatmeal….have you tried it??? It’s happiness in a bowl.

    I would love to win a package….will ensure many more days of happiness for breakfast!
74. Lee says:

    July 28, 2009 at 1:59 am  (Edit)

    My mom LOVES pure maple syrup, so yes, I’ve tasted it before.
    I’m hoping to win this for her, because she deserves it.
75. Carol says:

    July 28, 2009 at 7:47 am  (Edit)

    I tasted it once, and never forgot it! My kids and I accompanied my husband on a trip to Burlington, VT, and I really could not believe the wonderful taste. Great prize, hope I win!
76. Paula Myers says:

    July 28, 2009 at 10:49 am  (Edit)

    I’ve never tried it! It sounds really good!
77. Jena says:

    July 28, 2009 at 7:42 pm  (Edit)

    I prefer real maple syrup, but lately we’ve been using un-gelled jellies (apple and blackberry) as our syrup. I’m looking forward to going back to my maple syrup.
78. Roxie says:

    July 28, 2009 at 11:31 pm  (Edit)

    Yum we love real maple syrup….
79. latrisha says:

    July 29, 2009 at 2:33 am  (Edit)

    Actually I don’t believe I have ever tasted real maple syrup before. I do make homemade choke cherry and blueberry syrup however. I would love to try real maple syrup to see what the fuss could possibly be all about.
80. Hope says:

    July 29, 2009 at 10:50 am  (Edit)

    I have never tasted real Maple Syrup. I have never thought that it could be much better than Mrs. Butterworth. But hearing you describe your adventures in gathering the sap and whatnot intrigued me. This also happens to be my first time visiting your website. I was looking up Soft White Wheat for something I am doing and happened upon your website. I love it!! I am anxious also to purchase some Sucanat.
    Anyways, win the drawing or not, I was wondering if you would be okay if I put a link to your site on my Food Storage Blog? I love your tips. Very informational!!