During the Health and Fitness Bloggers Conference, I got a chance to have a homemade Maple Energy Bar. These were given out by one of the sponsors Pure Canada Maple.  I feel in love with them after 5 minutes because I seriously had energy all day!   After tasting the bars, I was able to find out a lot more information regarding Maple syrup. While I am a fan of honey sticks and agave, I had no idea the benefits maple syrup offered compared to honey, sugar and even brown sugar. Maple Syrup Benefits Pure maple syrup sourced from the maple tree not only tastes better than processed sweeteners made from corn syrup, it is also better for you. Based on research by the Canadian Nutrient File (Health Canada), maple syrup’s nutritional value is superior to other common sweeteners, such as honey, sugar, and even brown sugar. The calories in maple syrup are lower than in corn syrup and honey, averaging about 50 calories per tablespoon.

Maple Syrup Nutritional Value:

• Maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese, which plays an important role in energy production and antioxidant defenses, and is necessary for normal brain and nerve function. A portion of ¼ cup of maple syrup contains 100% of the Daily Value of manganese.
• The sweetener provides 37% of the Daily Value of riboflavin, which aids in the metabolic process.
• Pure maple syrup also contains 18% of the recommended Daily Value of zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
• Other minerals found in maple syrup are magnesium, calcium and potassium, decreasing the risk of hypertension or stroke.

After learning more information about maple and the energy bars, the Pure Canada Maple Syrup representative explained how maple syrup is being used now to help athletes recover and replenish energy while exercising. Pure Maple Canada offers several pre and post exercise recipes and information as well. You can check out more information by clicking here. Maple Energy Squares This easy-to-make maple syrup recipe was specially formulated for your fitness regimen. Not only do maple energy squares have the seal of approval from our sports nutritionist, Barbara Lewin, RD, LD, they are absolutely delicious. Maple energy squares provide whole, natural ingredients for on-the-go energy to help keep you fueled throughout the day. They contain a mix of simple carbohydrates from the maple syrup to give you a quick energy boost, with complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, plus vitamins and minerals to keep you going for the long haul. Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup dried blueberries or cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a food processor, combine oats, dry milk, sunflower seeds, flour, maple syrup and eggs. Puree until almost smooth, about 10 seconds. Stir in blueberries, apricots and almonds. Turn into prepared pan. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and bars are set. Yield: 16 squares

Alex’s Maple Energy Squares

Like always, I have to put my cheap and quick spin on recipes. You guys know how I do things now… Here is my spin on the Energy Bars. Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quick-oats (bulk section of Whole Foods)
• 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk 10 pre-soaked almonds with 1/2 cup of water
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour organic baking wheat flour (bulk section of Whole Foods)
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs 1/3 cup of egg beaters
• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds Instead I used 1-2 cups of Trader Joes ABC Trail Mix. The mix had everything in it pretty much and cost less than $4!
• 1/2 cup dried blueberries or cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1 to 2 scoops of Sunwarrior Protein powder

    I put everything, except the coconut, in my Ninja blender and pulsed until all the nuts were crushed and the mixture was even throughout. You might have to add a little bit more water as you are blending. It should be a medium thick paste like very chunky peanut butter. I sprayed the pans with Pam olive oil and spread the mix out in small square baking pans.     I then spread the top with the coconut and a little bit of chocolate protein powder for taste. I sprayed a little bit more Pam on each pan. In my mind, I assumed the oil on top would add a “caramelized”  topping on the squares.     My main oven is used for storage and it’s to hot to use it anyway, therefor I used my toaster oven instead. I put the three baking pans in my toaster oven and set it on 350 degrees. I let them bake for 15-20 minutes. I should have turned down the temperature to 300 and let is cook a tad bit longer so the top wouldn’t be so brown. First time for everything……   I can’t cut straight but they came out really good!Each pan made 2-3 squares. I packaged each one in a  clear wrap and put them in the refrigerator.     Since I had so many, I decided to put some in the freezer as well. I put the ones in the freezer in foil. Overall, this is very quick and easy to make. I am a fan of these bars and the syrup. Cost to make this was $10 and I can make at least 2 to 3 more batches easily.