Syrup

You realize that the "syrup" that comes in the bottle shaped like the very nice lady is not syrup right?

It is high fructose corn syrup flavored with molasses.

Real syrup is more expensive but it tastes better and is a natural suger. That processed corn syrup stuff will kill you (or go straight to your butt).

We are a weekend breakfast extravaganza type family (he cooks I sleep in) and we always have syrup around in the supporting role.

Here are my 2 favorite ways to use syrup:

1. Heat it up and pour over pancakes, waffles, Monte Cristo Sandwiches... The key is to heat it up. Cold syrup is ok but hot syrup is scrumptious.

2. Make an oatmeal pie. It's like a soft creamy oatmeal cookie in a pie crust. I love this pie. I buy a big container of oats and then feel justified in making 2 or more pies in a weekend just to use them up...

Maple Syrup Oatmeal Pie

1/2 c. maple syrup

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 c. oatmeal

3/4 c. coconut

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. very soft butter

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1 9" unbaked pie shell

Ice cream, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine maple syrup, eggs, oatmeal, coconut, brown sugar, butter, raisins and walnuts; mix well. Pour into the pie shell and bake 40-45 minutes, or until the filling browns and a knife blade inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool before serving (with optional ice cream).