Whether you're opening up a cafe or restaurant or you're a home-based baker, you may be surprised at the many uses that there are for maple syrup. Although it's traditionally considered just a breakfast staple to be poured over pancakes or french toast, maple syrup is far more versatile and contributes so much flavor to dishes. Here's a look at some of the additional ways that you can use maple syrup in your kitchen, whether it's a commercial one or even just at home.

Baked Beans

When you make homemade baked beans, you can add a unique flavor hint and some rich sweetness when you replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup. This still contributes a golden color to the baked bean sauce, but that maple flavor adds a nice depth to beans, especially if you're making a variety that includes salt pork or bacon. The two go together exceptionally well.

Sugar Substitute

If you're looking for ways to eliminate refined, granulated sugars from your recipes without having to turn to synthetic sugar substitutes, maple syrup is a great option. You'll still get that sweetness without the granulated sugar component or any artificial sweeteners. Just remember to adjust any liquids in the recipe to account for the added liquid content of the syrup. 

Usually, you can reduce the liquids by about half of the volume of the syrup that you add. So, if you put a half-cup of maple syrup in the recipe in place of sugar, reduce your liquid content by a quarter of a cup. Also, whether you're making barbecue sauce, oatmeal, or any other type of dish, you can add maple syrup for a touch of added sweetness and a hint of maple flavor. 

Candy

If you've ever spent any time around the maple sugar shacks and the parts of the country where maple sugar is produced, you've probably seen maple sugar candy. If you haven't, you are missing something absolutely decadent. Invest in a silicone candy mold and spray it with nonstick spray. Pour two cups of maple syrup into a pot with high sides. It's going to bubble up, so choose a much taller pot than you think you need. Bring the maple syrup to the 'firm ball' stage on a candy thermometer, or roughly 245 degrees. Remove it from the heat and beat it with a hand mixer on medium speed until it becomes creamy-textured and light in color. Pour it into molds and let it cool.

These are some of the best uses for maple syrup in your kitchen beyond breakfast. Consider some of these uses when you turn to a maple syrup supplier for an order.