Spring is here, which means that in Vermont (and New England) the maple sap we use for maple syrup and maple candies has begun to flow. If you love the taste of maple, it offers a wonderful regional flavor profile to weave into your big day, especially if you are making some of the dishes for your own brunch wedding reception. 

Real maple lovers know that "Grade B" maple syrup is actually the best, as it has a richer maple flavor than Grade A. In addition, if you want "real" maple syrup you should buy it directly from the producer or a reputable maple syrup company - as many of the maple syrups on the market (including the Log Cabin syrup sold in the rustic looking jar) are actually maple flavored corn syrup. That being said, a little real maple syrup can go a long way, and if you want to offer up some DIY maple-based brunch treats, here are five great recipes to consider. These recipes use Tonewood maple products, because their line is single-sourced, unblended, and free of additives. They also fund climate research, local farming efforts, and sustainable forest stewardship. Their mission is to preserve small-scale maple production (learn more about how you can help here). Oh, and their products are excellent. 

1. Maple Cranberry Scones

If you are looking to DIY some wedding treats for your guests, these maple scones are delicious and store well! 

Photo/Recipe By Sweets Life

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 cups whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cup organic rolled oats 
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda 
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled 
• 1 1/4 cups organic low-fat buttermilk 
• 3 tbsp. Tonewood Maple Syrup 
• 1/2 cup organic dried cranberries 
• Tonewood Maple Flakes  

 DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. 

2. Stir in buttermilk and maple syrup, mixing until combined and dough is formed. Mix in dried cranberries. 

3. Place mounds of dough (or divide dough in half, form each half into a circle, and cut scones into triangles) onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with maple flakes. 

4. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. 

2. Maple Pecan Granola

Perhaps the best thing about granola is that it not only lasts a long time, but is easy to transport. In addition to being a delicious wedding brunch item, bags or mini-jars or granola are the perfect DIY maple wedding favor for your guests to take home. Scale this recipe up to make this tasty treat in bulk for your wedding day. 

Photo/Recipe By My Life Runs On Food

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Tonewood Maple Syrup 
• 1/4 cup favorite jam
• 1 tsp. organic vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tbsp. organic coconut oil or organic olive oil
• 1/4 cup organic coconut or brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups organic rolled oats 
• 1 tbsp. organic flax seeds
• 2 tsp. organic chia seeds
• 1/4 cup organic sunflower seeds
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup organic walnuts
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 cup Tonewood Maple Flakes  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Whisk maple syrup, jam, vanilla and oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Bring liquids to a simmer, but don’t let it boil. Set aside from heat to slightly cool.

2. In a large bowl, toss sugar, oats, seeds, nuts and sea salt. Mix in the liquid sweeteners. Evenly spread granola mixture over a baking sheet. Place in the oven and mix every 11 minutes or until the granola starts turning light brown, about 45 minutes.

3. Turn off heat and remove baking sheet from the oven. Mix the granola one more time and let completely cool.

4. Toss 1/2 cup of maple flakes with the granola.

5. Enjoy with yogurt or sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.

3. Maple Almond Pear Tart

These maple pastries are delicious hot or cold, so don't think you have to make them the morning of your wedding. You can always have your caterer warm and serve these with ice cream for an unforgettable wedding brunch. 

Photo/Recipe By My Life Runs On Food

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb puff pastry, thawed
• 3 unripe pears, peeled
• 3 tbsp. coconut sugar, or 2 tbsp. white sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• Organic olive oil; as needed
• A pinch of sea salt
• 1 tsp. apricot jam
• 1 tbsp. Tonewood Maple Syrup 
• Tonewood Maple Flakes  
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, optional for garnish