Our state trails only Vermont in the production of maple syrup in the U.S. I have many childhood memories of tapping our maple trees in early spring and watching the sap come out.
Shirley Brownell
Amsterdam, New York
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Additional maple syrup, optional
Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, brown sugar and eggs; mix well. Add syrup and buttermilk. Stir in dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in pecans. Pour into a greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool for 10 minutes in pan. Serve warm with syrup if desired or allow to cool.