In a few weeks the sugaring season in the Northeast will begin and sap from maple trees will be collected and boiled into syrup. This liquid gold shouldn’t be used just on pancakes and waffles. Whisk it in a vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, turn it into a glaze with soy for salmon, beat it into unsalted butter as a special accompaniment for muffins or banana bread, or use it to sweeten a cheesecake, pound cake, or icing.

In a few weeks the sugaring season in the Northeast will begin and sap from maple trees will be collected and boiled into syrup. This liquid gold shouldn’t be used just on pancakes and waffles. Whisk it in a vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, turn it into a glaze with soy for salmon, beat it into unsalted butter as a special accompaniment for muffins or banana bread, or use it to sweeten a cheesecake, pound cake, or icing.