Welcome to the final week of our Gift of Maple Recipe Series. We’re wrapping things up with an easy, last-minute gift idea that comes together quickly using pantry staples you may already have on hand. This week, we’re highlighting Maple Sugar in a savoury, all-purpose dry rub, perfect for handmade gift exchanges, the family grill-master, or foodies who appreciate a thoughtful, homemade touch.
This recipe is actually where the series began and sparked Aarika’s idea to create a full collection of maple-inspired, gift-worthy recipes. If you missed them, be sure to check out:
Week 1: Maple Pecan Baklava
Week 2: Sugar Cookies with Maple Butter
What to Expect
This dry rub is smoky and savoury with a subtle sweetness that balances the spices without overpowering them. It develops a rich, caramelized flavour when cooked and finishes with gentle warmth, making it an easy, go-with-anything seasoning.
Pairing Ideas Using Our Maple Products
We love this dry rub because it acts as a starting point and pairs beautifully with several staple products in our lineup. If you’re looking to add more maple flavour or use items you already have on hand, here are a few ideas:
Maple Mustard
Use the dry rub as a base seasoning for roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, then finish with a drizzle of Maple Mustard.
Red Pepper Maple Jelly
Season chicken wings with the dry rub before baking or frying. Toss again with Red Pepper Maple Jelly for a tangy, lightly spiced finish.
Maple BBQ Sauce
Rub generously onto ribs or pork chops before grilling. Baste with our Original or Ancho BBQ Sauce while cooking for a sweet, smoky maple flavour.
Popping Corn Cob
Pop the corn according to package directions, then toss with a small amount of dry rub for a sweet and smoky snack.
Beyond the Grill
This rub isn’t just for BBQ season:
- Toss with root vegetables before roasting
- Season sheet-pan dinners
- Stir into soups or stews for added depth
- Use as a seasoning for mushrooms or tofu
Gifting Tip
Dry rubs make excellent gifts and are easy to package. We mixed a large batch and portioned it into small mason jars and reusable containers, finishing them with kraft paper labels, twine, and seasonal cedar or pinecones for a simple, rustic look.
Savoury Maple Dry Rub Recipe
Yield: approx. 2½ cups
- 1 cup smoked paprika
- ¾ cup White Meadows Farms Maple Sugar
- ⅓ cup pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp mustard powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place. When kept sealed, it will maintain its flavour for up to 6 months, making it ideal for getting ahead of Holiday planning. No refrigeration needed.
A Final Note
Thank you for following along with our Gift of Maple Recipe Series. We hope these recipes inspire you to embrace handmade gifting and explore new, simple ways to cook with maple long after the holidays are over.
