Updated on Feb 27, 2024
Finally, our wonderful sugaring season is getting under way. It’s the perfect time to discover some of the products where our maple trees rule. Here are 12 of our favourite ones. Psst! All these products are available even when the season has gone by!
By Marie-Claude Masse
Let’s start with a classic among classics: The Laiterie de Coaticook’s maple taffy ice cream. With its unctuous taffy sauce and crunchy bits of maple sugar, this gourmet series ice cream is truly a must.
Laiterie de Coaticook, 1000, Child Street, Coaticook, 819 849-2272 (at the dairy and in many supermarkets)
Millebois’ series of fermented maple beverages really showcase our region’s terroir, because all this young company’s products are developed by using their own maple tree sap. We recommend their Millebois Ambré for its rich and sweet taste, overflowing with maple aromas that will perfectly accompany a platter of aged cheeses.
550, chemin Vaillancourt, Compton, 819 349-8540 (several points of sale)
This artisanal Frelighsburg bakery, whose central kitchen is now in Cowansville, makes all sorts of maple-based delicacies. But one product stands out from the rest: the famous maple pie, the true star of the house. Once you've tasted it, you'll never want to be without it!
500, Principale Street, Cowansville, 450-955-0639 (on site and in several outlets)
The flavours of maple and balsamic vinegar blend well together. The flavours of maple really goes well with the rich taste of balsamic vinegar. We couldn’t be more delighted to recommend trying this vinaigrette produced by a small but rapidly growing Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge company. It’s absolutely delicious poured over a strong peppery tasting lettuce such as arugula.
784, 1er Rang Sud, Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge, 450 248-9059 (also sold in some IGA and Metro grocery stores)
This adorable Magog chocolate factory only makes fine, high quality Belgian chocolates. If it were just up to us, we’d fill our baskets to the brim at their chocolate factory, located at the entrance of Orford's village. But, because we must choose but one, we recommend you try their maple sweetened white-chocolate bars! It’s SO delicious!!
Chocolats Vanden Eynden, 1745, ch. Rivière aux Cerises, Magog, 819 843-1706 (in store, and many other points of sale)
The Caséal maple producer, in Milan, offers a nice selection of fine products, all certified organic, made with their heavenly syrup. In their gourmet series, you’ll find an amazing maple flavoured onion confit presenting a slight end of mouth acidity. Smooth, balanced, just sweet enough… In our opinion, it’s simply perfect!
555, chemin de la Yard, Milan, 819 583-8006 (online boutique and several points of sale)
Located at the foot of Mount Shefford, near Granby and Bromont, The Cabane à Boubou offer a wide range of maple products, as well as a variety of homemade dishes. Among all their classics (organic maple syrup aged in whiskey casks, maple taffy, granulated maple sugar, chômeur pudding), we have a soft spot for their maple butter. To be enjoyed without moderation!
18, chemin Saxby N., Shefford, 450 558-5264 (online store)
Crousset, a Magog family business, specializes in the production of original spice blends. We’ve really fallen head over heels for their salmon spice mix, which contains maple sugar bits added to the delicious flavour of smoked hickory. Rub this mixture on a salmon steak or filet, let it absorb these aromas for an hour or so, and then cook your fish. Let us know what you think!
571, rue Bisaillon, Magog, 819 868-0796 (in store and online boutique)
Would you be tempted to try a maple-based liquor? Well, it’s possible thanks to Distillerie Shefford’s amazing skills! This noble spirit, aged in oak barrels, is the end product of fermented maple sap. We must warn you; the stunningly rich caramel and pear confit flavours will have your taste buds feel quite the rush!
18, chemin Saxby N., Shefford (At their boutique on Saturdays and Sundays and at the SAQ)
Do you miss your grandmother’s maple syrup doughnuts? Those made at Érablière Bernard will make you feel like a kid again! The recipe has been a well-kept secret of this Granby family business! These doughnuts, completely immersed in maple syrup, have made quite a name for themselves over the years.
1268, Denison Ouest, Granby, 450 375-5238 (at their boutique and at several points of sale)
These Orford duck artisans have developed quite the expertise for producing the best tasting little treasures, and these rillettes are no exception to the rule! With their delicious maple flavour, you’ll want to eat them on your breakfast toast, with a great salad for lunch, and as an appetizer before supper. Ducs de Montrichard, you’ll discover, really takes it to heart to cater to your fine nutrition needs!
388 Chemin Alfred-Desrochers, Orford, 819 868-4217 (in store and in several points of sale)
Besides its delicious wines, did you know that the Vignoble du Ruisseau in Dunham also produces excellent maple products? Made up using the traditional Champagne method, the maple bubbles will go perfectly with your sugar season meals.
4500, chemin Strobl, Dunham, 450 538-3782 (at their boutique)
Made with the finest quality Quebec maple syrup, fresh cream and a blend of grain alcohols, this Maple cream liquor by Ungava Spirits is simply exquisite on the rocks! Of course, it’s no secret that it flows well in a good cup of coffee! You’ll see how these cocoa, cinnamon and amaretto aromas come amazingly together with the flavour of maple.
291, rue Miner, Cowansville, 450 263-2805 (at their boutique and the SAQ)
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