Did you know Wisconsin produced 225,000 gallons of maple syrup last year? In fact, Wisconsin is one of the top 10 largest producers of maple syrup in the world! It’s obviously a breakfast favorite, but what else can you do with that huge jug of maple syrup sitting in your pantry? Check out these three recipes that use maple syrup in unexpected ways. 🙌

Pumpkin Hummus Dip

With March Madness and the Oscars coming up, you can’t beat a hearty party dip to satisfy the masses. This pumpkin hummus is packed with flavor and is easy to toss together at game time.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz.) of canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 head garlic, roasted
1 can (15 oz.) of garbanzo beans, rinsed
2-3 tablespoons tahini paste
2 teaspoons Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup
1 lemon
1 teaspoon salt
Pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and cinnamon for garnish
Pita chips

1. Blend pumpkin, garlic, and garbanzo beans in a food processor.
2. Add tahini paste, olive oil, maple syrup, lemon, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil and maple syrup to taste.
3. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and cinnamon. Serve with pita chips.

[Recipe by Anderson’s Maple Syrup of Barron County]

Baked Pears with Maple Syrup

Impress your Valentine with this delicious (and simple) baked pear recipe – only four ingredients, including delicious Wisconsin maple syrup!
Ingredients:
4 ripe but firm D’Anjou pears
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Chopped pecans (optional garnish)

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Peel the pears and cut them in half length-wise. Carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each half.
3. In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Place the pears in the skillet, cut-side down, and cook them until they are starting to get browned, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Using a fork, carefully flip pears to cut side up and continue to bake another 10 minutes.
6. Remove the pears from the oven and carefully transfer them to a platter.
7. Put the skillet back on the stove over low heat, and whisk in the maple syrup with the butter and juices in the skillet.
8. Spoon the maple syrup sauce over the pears. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans. Enjoy!

[Recipe by Happy Healthy Mama]

Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon

For a healthy and flavorful dinner, this simple salmon recipe is a no-brainer. Pair with orzo or roasted vegetables and you have a sophisticated dinner in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 ½ lb. salmon fillet cut into 6 equal parts
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons grainy mustard, like Dijon Wholegrain Mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Arrange the salmon fillets in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, maple syrup, mustard, and soy sauce.
4. Pour mixture over salmon. Add some freshly ground pepper, if preferred.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until salmon flakes with a fork.

[Recipe by Jo Cooks]
Maddie Brady is the social media manager for Discover Wisconsin. She may be from Illinois, but she's passionate about sharing the beauty and fun of her new home state, Wisconsin! Watch the show Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block or online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Maddie on Instagram at @maddiekbrady.