The Hinton's homemade Maple Syrup

When more research and studies came out about the effects of high fructose corn syrup in our bodies, I decided to pay more attention to the labels on the food items I was buying. High Fructose Corn Syrup is the lowest and cheapest processed sugar sweetener food manufacturers can buy on the market. It's so cheap and so easy to get that it makes it easy for these food manufacturers to sweeten their food products without spending a whole of money. But with the knowledge we have about it, it's still amazing that the FDA still approves it. If you have never paid attention to your labels before, it's time to start. You will be amazed at the amount of food products you will find it in: ketchup, maple syrup, fruit snacks, salad dressings, BBQ sauces, granola bars, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, regular Karo's corn syrup (yep, it's in there),etc... the list goes on... In an attempt to make one food item healthier, I created this homemade maple syrup recipe. Yes, the recipe has white sugar and brown sugar added to it. But I would rather have regular sugar instead of something processed. And yes, it does have corn syrup in it, but very little. Certainly not anywhere the amounts that are being put into store maple syrup. I had to do something due to the fact we eat pancakes or waffles every week. Here's what I created:

The Hinton's homemade Maple Syrup

2 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups water
1/2 teas. salt
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teas. vanilla extract
2 teas. maple extract

In a medium saucepan, add in sugars, water and salt. Over high heat, stir ingredients together until dissolved and bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, do not stir, let mixture cook for 5 minutes. Turn off heat, give it one good stir and set aside. Once bubbling has subsided, add in corn syrup, vanilla and maple extracts. Let syrup cool completely. Poor into a reuseable container, canning jar or old plastic syrup bottles, etc... Store in a cool dry place. Use within 2 weeks.

NOTE: This recipe can easily be halved. If doing so, reduce boiling time to 3 minutes.