KITCHEN TIPS FROM MEME’S TABLE: I JUST LEARNED AN EXPENSIVE LESSON TODAY

Valentine's Day happened to fall on Wednesday this year. And, because Wednesday is tradionally a very busy day for us, we decided to forego our traditional romantic Valentine's dinner until Friday (today).

I have planned the dinner down to the last tiny detail. For dessert, I am making a Vegan Baked Alaska. Layers of decadent chocolate cake, creamy chocolate ganache, tangy raspberry coulis and vegan coffee ice cream, all topped by billowing toasted, carmelized Aquafaba Merigue.

I prepared my Mise En Place for the cake and reached under the cabinet for an almost full bottle of organic maple syrup. And then,

I discovered that there was a film of nasty, scummy MOLD floating on the top of my maple syrup!

Though I don't exactly remember when I purchased this maple syrup, but surely it wasn't that long ago. And, call me ignorant, but I had no idea that maple syrup could spoil.

Needless to say, this bottle of maple syrup is history. It will definitely not be going into my carefully planned, decadent Baked Alaska.

So that you don't make the same mistake that I made, here are just a few tips for making sure that your maple syrup is fresh for all your recipes to come.

• Yes, that that expensive bottle of maple syrup can indeed spoil. Unopened, a bottle of pure maple syrup has a shelf-life of a year. And, opened it can last that long in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, maple syrup can last indefinitely.
• To prevent spoilage, PUT THAT OPENED BOTTLE IN THE REFRIGERATOR! Don't make the same mistake that I did...I'm still crying over the waste of money and the waste of food.
• How can you tell that your maple syrup is spoiled? Well, my first clue was that nasty scum floating on the top of the bottle. And, when I sniffed it (because really, who doesn't sniff something that is so obviously spoiled) it had an off, slighly sour odor. Definitely not the sweet smell of fresh maple syrup. Also, I'm told that it would taste sour or rancid. Sorry folks, but I'm not going there!
• According to Massachusetts Maple Producers Association and some other sources, you can just skim off the mold and use the syrup anyway. Or you can heat the syrup and then skim off the mold. Though this might indeed work, I'm just not willing to take that chance. So, into the trash with my maple syrup and off to the store for a fresh bottle.

Don't make the same mistake that I did: If you open that bottle of maple syrup, make sure you refrigerate or freeze the leftovers. Then, you can be sure to have fresh, delicious maple syrup when you get ready to make Baked Alaska or any other sweet treat.

(If you want me to post my recipe for Vegan Baked Alaska, leave a note in the comments below. I'll share all my secrets for making a fluffy, delicous Aquafaba Meringue)

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Until later, all the best my fellow Steemians!

Hi, I'm Benita G. You may also know me as, or call me, @AtMemesTable.

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