Uses for Old Maple Syrup
If you’re anything like me, you have jars of Maple syrup in the pantry going back years, maybe even decades.
“Ah yes, 2002, that was a spring to die for, we haven’t had a spring like ’02 in years.”
The fact of the matter is that, even though I love the golden elixir, I just don’t consume as much of it as I once could.
Fortunately, old real maple syrup, as long as it hasn’t spoiled, can still be used in many creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas:
Cooking and Baking
Sweeten Baked Goods: Use it as a natural sweetener in muffins, cookies, or bread recipes.
Glazes for Meat: Make a glaze for ham, chicken, or salmon by mixing it with mustard, soy sauce, or vinegar.
Homemade Granola: Toss oats, nuts, and seeds with maple syrup before baking for a crunchy treat.

Breakfast Enhancements
Pancake or Waffle Topping: Of course, it’s classic, but try mixing it with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla for a twist.
Oatmeal or Yogurt Sweetener: Stir it into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
Beverages
Mocktails: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup for a unique flavor.
Coffee or Tea Sweetener: Add a splash to your morning drink for a natural sweetener.
Desserts
Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle over ice cream or mix into whipped cream.
Maple Candies: Use it to make maple taffy or candy.
Savory Dishes
Roasted Vegetables: Toss with root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts before roasting.
Salad Dressing: Create a vinaigrette by mixing maple syrup with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Preservation
Flavor Enhancer: Add it to marinades or soups for a subtle sweetness.
Maple Butter: Whip it with softened butter to create a spread for toast or biscuits.
Crystalized Syrup
If your syrup has crystallized, you can reheat it to dissolve the crystals and make it usable again. However, if it has visible mold, you may need to discard it or strain and boil it to make it safe, depending on its condition.
