Maple Syrup Isn’t Just a Pancake Topping
(and Blueberries Are Good for Your Brain)
Written By: Jessica Wallace, Refined Media 716
Growing up, maple syrup was always the star of our breakfast table. I can still picture the vintage glass bottles — wide, with sticky tops from too many pours. Sometimes our dad served it in a little saucer, but more often than not, it came straight from those jars, paired with one of his big weekend breakfasts.
Julia and I mastered the pancake-to-butter-to-maple ratio at a young age. We were spoiled, really — pure maple syrup was a pantry staple, not a luxury. And we’ve carried that with us into adulthood.
We’ve always been “breakfast people.” The kind who don’t mind making breakfast for dinner — and truthfully, it was a favorite weeknight meal when we were kids. Now, it’s become a go-to dinner option for our own little ones.
The best part? Breakfast-for-dinner isn’t just fun and nostalgic. With the right ingredients, it’s packed with nutrition too. Maple syrup delivers natural minerals and antioxidants, and when you pair it with brain-boosting blueberries, you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and smart. It’s quick, it’s wholesome, and it’s the perfect way to break up a busy weeknight when practices run late and time is short.
Maple Syrup Unlocked
Cooking has become a bigger part of our lives since having kids, and honestly, we really enjoy it. One thing that matters to us is knowing what we’re consuming — and what it’s doing for our bodies.
We grew up with maple syrup on the table, but only recently have we appreciated just how much nutritional value it brings. Now, there’s always room in our pantry for maple products.
Why we’re loving it (and you will too!):
Clean Label: Just one ingredient — pure maple sap. No additives, no artificial processing.
All Natural: A natural sugar with a lower glycemic index, maple causes a slower rise in blood sugar and is packed with minerals and antioxidants. Graves Maple Products is certified organic, too.
Versatile in the Kitchen: Delicious on pancakes and waffles, but also a creative swap in baking. I recently used Graves Maple Syrup instead of vanilla extract in a cookie cake, and it was a hit with everyone. Maple also shines in glazes for meats, roasted veggies, and salad dressings. (Click here to see Graves’s BBQ Sauce that we've added into our weekly meal prep recently!)
Craftsmanship: We’ve seen firsthand how maple syrup is produced in an organic sugarhouse — and it’s no small feat. The care and effort behind each bottle make it even more special.
Blueberries = Brain Food But Better
For us, if we can get twice the benefit with one choice, we’re all in. If we can fuel our bodies while reaping extra rewards — why wouldn’t we? That’s where blueberries come in.
They’re more than just a summer fruit; they’re nutrient-packed powerhouses. Even if they’re not your favorite flavor, they’re worth finding a way to enjoy.
Blueberries have been part of our lives long before our days on the farm at Burdick Blueberries. Our Grandma Barb is the first person who comes to mind when I think of fresh flowers, fruit, and baking. She loved it all, and her gardens were always overflowing with beauty. She was also the one reminding us just how important blueberries are — long before “superfoods” were a thing.
Why blueberries deserve a spot in your day:
Naturally Simple: No peeling, no prep, no additives. Just rinse and enjoy.
Superfood Status: Tiny but mighty, loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants (anthocyanins).
Brain & Body Fuel: Often called “brain berries,” research links them to sharper memory, better focus, and even heart health.
Endlessly Snackable: Perfect fresh, frozen, or dried — tossed into smoothies, sprinkled on cereal, baked into muffins, or added as a pop of flavor in savory dishes.
Seasonal & Timeless: Summer picking makes them nostalgic and fun, while frozen blueberries keep their nutrition year-round.
Kid-Approved Sweetness: Naturally sweet and bite-sized, they’re a wholesome snack little hands can grab on their own.
We didn’t always love them as kids, but somehow Grandma got us to eat them. Now, as parents, we can truly appreciate the naturally sweet, bite-sized berry — and we love seeing our kids reach for them too.
If you’re looking for recipes to use the berries you picked this summer, visit www.burdickblueberries.net/recipes.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, maple syrup and blueberries are more than just pantry staples — they’re reminders of where we come from and how we want to nourish our families moving forward. From Dad’s weekend breakfasts to Grandma Barb’s gardens, these simple ingredients carry stories, traditions, and real health benefits. Whether it’s drizzling Graves’ pure organic maple syrup over pancakes or grabbing a handful of Burdick’s blueberries for a snack, we’re choosing foods that make life both sweeter and smarter. And that’s a legacy we’re proud to pass on to our own little ones.
