Yikes, way off track here. Food and farmers markets, yeah that's what I write about....I need to figure out what to partake in during the big game, and thinking your typical chili, beer, nachos, sub sandwiches just ain't talking to me. What can I do to change things up a bit? Maple syrup of course!

Stay with me now. I am not suggesting pancakes, waffles or French toast for game time, but hey, if you got a hankering, go for it. I have long been a fan of real, yes real, not that imitation, no sign of any real maple, imposter, posing as something tapped from a tree (yes, I am talkin to you Mrs B), but real maple syrup. This would be the stuff that is actually good for you, and not just a bottle of high fructose corn syrup with a bit of flavoring. Maple syrup is loaded with antioxidants (especially the darker grade B variety), B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. Can you say yes, to strengthening the immune system, or what?

And, can we talk flavor? There is no comparing imitation to the real amber liquid, with the an sweet earthy flavor like no other. And when that real maple syrup is local? Oh yes. Coming from just over the eastern border in southern Indiana, is Burton's Maplewood Farm, who produces incredible grade A and grade B maple syrups. Burton's Maplewood Farm can always be found at Green City Market. Now don't be shy, go ahead and ask them for tastes of the syrups. They are more than happy to let you sample, and more than happy to explain the difference between the grade A and B syrups. Personally I prefer the headier grade B, now that is maple.

I love using maple syrup to glaze salmon, carrots or green beans, or drizzled on a grapefruit half (thrown under the broiler, oh trust me on this), or as part of an oil-free salad dressing (just equal parts of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup) and you have some happy greens. But, back to the 'big' game. I know that I said none of the typical options were talkin' to me, but I have to take that back. Chicken wings are talkin' to me. But how about bourbon maple-glazed instead of hot sauce and butter? And thinking we need a cocktail to go with that....now, how's that for game time dining?

2 oz. orange infused light rum (ok, not picky, you want dark rum or bourbon instead? go for it)

3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. maple syrup (grade A)

slice of orange or twist of lemon for garnish

Combine first three ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, shake, shake. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with citrus.

Mo's Maple Bourbon Glazed Wings

3 lbs chicken wings (split at joint and tips removed)

coarse salt and pepper

1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

2-3 T maple syrup (grade B)

1 heaping teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked tabasco

3-4 T butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place wings on a baking sheet, in a single layer, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 45 minutes (til they start to brown and crisp).

Make sauce by combining the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Zap in the microwave for about 2 minutes (til butter is melted). Remove wings from the oven and pour sauce over the wings. Let the wings marinate for about 20-30 minutes. Now, if you are up for grilling, may I suggest grilling the marinated wings for 8-12 minutes. If not grilling, go ahead and finish in the oven for another 15-20 minutes.

See you at the markets,

Mo

moira@efete.net