Maple Syrup Challenge

Ok, so obviously it's been awhile since I've updated my blog. My son no longer looks like that little baby pictured below. I just got his 1st grade (*tear) pictures back and was amazed at how much he looks like a little man. Well.....moving on...........I haven't entered a recipe contest in quite some time so when I received an email asking if I would be interested in The Maple Syrup Challenge I eagerly accepted! This did turn out to be a challenge for me. I'm sure most of us have a bottle of maple syrup in cabinet but my maple syrup only gets used on Sunday mornings with my son's blueberry waffles. I definitely had to "Think outside the griddle" considering most of my creations turn into a pasta or potato dish. BUT!!! After torturing my poor Liam and boyfriend for the last several weeks, I have created a tasty, delicious (my son's review) salmon recipe using.....Maple Syrup of course!!! I served this along side roasted garlic, asparagus and potatoes.

Tasty, Delicious Salmon

2 skin on salmon fillets (about 6-8 oz each)
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp pure Maple Syrup
1/4 fresh thyme
1/8 tsp paprika
salt
pepper
extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter

Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper and paprika.
In medium sauce pan, heat 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil until simmering.
Place salmon fillets skin side up in sauce pan and cook until browned. About 3-4 minutes.
Gently flip fillets over and cook on skin until salmon is opaque. About 3-4 minutes.
Remove fillets and place on serving plate.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, pure Maple Syrup and fresh thyme.
Wipe sauce pan clean and place back on stove top over medium high heat.
Whisk in maple syrup mixture.
Add butter and stir until slightly reduces.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Pour sauce over salmon fillets and serve.

So there you have it, my simple salmon recipe. And one thing my family loves are salmon patties. There are a ton of recipes for salmon patties out there but the way I like to make mine is to mix up fresh, cooked (leftover) salmon, minced garlic, some chopped scallions or onions, some mayonaise, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Form into patties and saute on the stove. I make a yummy little sandwich out of mine adding tomato, onion, lettuce and red pepper aoli. So good!
And....come to find out there are a lot of ways you can use maple syrup that I never knew. I found a ton of awesome recipes at  www.purecanadamaple.com.

If you try my recipe and you enjoy or made changes, be sure to let me know! Always enjoy feedback!!! Happy cooking!