How Do You Make Imitation Maple Extract?
“Maple extract” is almost a misnomer. The term implies that extracts of oils are taken from the maple tree and collected for use as a flavoring, when in fact most maple extracts are an imitation since the process of extracting the maple essence from a tree is very technical and labor-intensive. Instead, the chemicals that taste and smell like maple are extracted from a somewhat common seed. You can make your own imitation maple-flavored extract with a few simple ingredients and a little time. Warm the fenugreek seeds slightly in a dry pan. This will bring out the maple flavors and intensify the smell. Be careful not to toast the seeds or the extract will end up tasting bitter. Shake the seeds as they warm. Grind the warm seeds in a coffee/spice grinder free of residue from coffee beans or spices. They should be finely ground so that the alcohol can extract the essential compounds from the tissues of the seeds. Shake as you grind to keep the ground seeds from packing at the bottom of th
