Choose the Right Syrup
Don't be fooled by the label "Grade A" on a bottle of maple syrup: It's no better than Grade B. Grade B syrup is darker and has a stronger maple flavor; Grade A is milder. We prefer Grade B for cooking (we used it in a Kale-Sesame Chicken Salad for Food Network Magazine). Both grades are more expensive than the imitation stuff ("pancake syrup"), but real maple syrup is worth the splurge.