Organic Maple Syrup

   About a year ago, our family decided to try to switch from some of the common sweet foods and ingredients we ate to more natural sweeteners and foods.  I can't say that we've been successful with this all of the time, but we have made a lot of improvement.

     One of the things that was easier - but more costly - to switch was pancake syrup.

     I used to always make my own pancake syrup using combinations of white sugar, brown sugar, water, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter.  I would simmer it on the stove for a while until it became a bit thicker.  My husband didn't mind the taste of it, and he put up with it for quite a few years, but then one day he asked me, "Is there any way we could possibly buy Aunt Jemima's pancake syrup or Log Cabin or something like that?"  He really didn't prefer how my homemade syrup set up in the fridge and got a bit "sludgy." 

     I was happy to accommodate him, although I would have rather not needed to pay the extra price for pancake syrup as well as have it filled with GMO-corn syrup.

     Then, a friend of mine (Wardeh at www.GNOWFGLINS.com) began to coordinate a wholesale ingredients order from a nearby town every other month.  I noticed that organic maple syrup was available to purchase through this wholesale co-op.  The first time I ordered the syrup, I think it was around $15 or $16 a quart.  My husband and I were a bit surprised at the price, until I began to look around for a cheaper price.  It could hardly be found!  The second time I ordered a quart of organic maple syrup, the price had gone up to over $18.  Sticker shock! 

     We still order a quart of organic maple syrup about every other month, but we use it sparingly, which is better for us, anyway.  We make certain to purchase Grade B maple syrup, because it has more of the true maple flavor, especially in baked goods and when used as a flavoring.

     I have found another source for organic Grade B maple syrup that is slightly less expensive than the source I have for wholesale maple syrup...at least for right now.

     If you are willing to place an order at least every 3-6 months or so via Amazon for this particular maple syrup, they will sell it to you at a reduced price of 15% off.  Of course, the repeated ordering can be canceled at any time you desire, though.  I recommend that if you decide to go this route, you don't cancel after the first order unless you truly don't like the maple syrup.  If too many people abuse this privilege of receiving a discount for being a repeat orderer, the discount may be removed. 

Here's the link for Coombs Family Farms' 100% Pure Organic Maple Syrup Grade B, 32-Ounce Jug.  It sells for $19.80 regularly priced, but if you decide to sign up for periodic shipments of this item, say, every 3 months or so, it will only cost $16.83 with free shipping!