For the love of organics: Maple Syrup

Gathering maple tree sap to make sweet syrup for food and medicine is an ancient practice created by the Anishinaabe, Haudenosauee and Wabanaki people of northeastern North America. From pancakes to salmon, the sweet syrup was and still is, used to cure meats, sweeten bitter medicines, and bring a warm sugary and woody flavor to breakfasts and dinners alike. The thousands-of-years-old tradition continues to offer a spoonful of maganese, potassium, and antioxidants with its syrupy sweetness.

There is a common misconception that organic and conventional maple syrups are the same - but that could not be farther from the truth. The organic certification includes an extensive list of requirements to protect biodiversity in the sugar bush (forest of maple trees) including other plants, animals and microrganism. In Vermont, these specs also include maintaining a range of young and old maple trees. Organic maple syrup certification means sustainably keeping whole forests biodiverse and thriving.

Did you know organic producers cannot use galvanized containers at various points in the process, which are known to leach lead? Conventional syrup producers often add synthetic defoaming agents as well as additives like antifreeze!

These are just a few reasons to choose organic and keep the nasty additivies, pesticides and heavy metals out of your maple syrup!

Better-for-You Flourless Brownies

These gluten-free flourless brownies are soft, fudgy, and so chocolaty that you will not believe they are 1. low in sugar, 2. paleo 3. keto-friendly! Try these for your next chocolate craving.

1 c. cocoa powder

1/2 c. coconut sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

dash of salt

2 eggs

1/3 c. coconut oil, softened

1/4 c. coconut or almond milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Pro Tip: Add fine shredded carrot or zuchinni to boost veggie intake

Callie says: Make a maple sugar sprinkle for the top or substitute for the coconut sugar, add espresso for the grown ups, cocoa nibs and cherries.

Maeme says: add almonds and coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8x8 square pan with coconut oil. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda and salt.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, coconut oil, and vanilla until well blended.

4. Pour the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture forms a batter.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan comes out clean.

   Per serving: 111 calories, 8g total fat, 10g carb, 2g protein, 78mg sodium, 4g sugar

Mushrooms for Health

Mushrooms are having a moment and we are totally on board! You may be new here, so let’s start with this…Eat more veggies!!! It’s one of Rasberrys things and we not shy about it. If we all just ate more vegetables, there would be less ailments and doctor visits.

Why mushrooms? Mushrooms have been around since ancient times. They were known for well-being and longevity in Ancient China, in Ancient Eygpt they were the plants of immortality and the Greeks used them to make a drink concoction for their infamous ritual ceremonies.

Mushrooms contain macronutrients for a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council your immune system will benefit from Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage (choose cremini or portabella), Vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation (chose maitake mushrooms), Vitamin B6, which helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA (choose shiitake.)

This diverse vegetable has accompanied many dishes traditionally alongside a meat. Fast forward to 2023 and the veggie movement with plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets and now mushrooms are the main event. Have you tried Miso Mushroom Risotto? Or Adobo Mushroom Tacos? Next time your dish calls for beef or chicken substitute mushrooms for that same meaty texture.

Don’t forget to ask Maeme about her mushroom coffee. Did you know we have a local mushroom grower Ironwood Mycology? Zach delivers beauties to us weekly!