What Can I Make With Molasses?
Molasses is that thick, dark, sweet, and tangy sweetener you probably recognize as an ingredient in homemade baked beans. Or, you may just know it by the expression “as slow as molasses in January.” If that’s the case, it’s high time you were introduced.
Dark molasses, or more specifically, blackstrap molasses, is a byproduct after the third boiling of sugar syrup during the refining process. It’s what’s left after the sugar has been crystallized, which we know as granulated sugar.
Blackstrap molasses is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Probably one of the only sweeteners that is actually good for you! It’s a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium, as well as those lesser thought of nutrients we need, and the much sought after vitamin B6. When you look for molasses, be sure to look for unsulphured molasses to get a cleaner, clearer taste. You can store it unopened for up to a year. Once you open your bottle of molasses, you can store it in the refrigerator (although it gets pretty slow pouring) or in a cool pantry for about six months.
When I was little, molasses was a staple in our house. We liked it poured on a thick slice of crusty bread as a nice after school treat, or poured over our oatmeal in the morning instead of sugar or honey. Molasses is quite sharp tasting and could be an acquired taste, but it is sweet, so most youngsters will grow to like it.
Other than just enjoying on bread or cereal, or for making baked beans, there are many really nice recipes that use molasses. Molasses is often used in barbecue sauces, pulled pork sandwich recipes, gingersnap cookies, and many other foods that require an extra sweet and tangy flavor. You can even just grab a bottle and use it as is to baste chicken or meat for a very colorful and rich flavor. If you’re feeling very adventurous, you can even make your own homemade Worcestershire sauce with molasses!
Does anyone have any ideas about what to make with blackstrap molasses? Have you ever just eaten it on bread as a treat, or is my family the only crazy one? I’d love to hear from you!
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October 10th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I can tell you IMHO Molasses is one of the best sweeteners on the market today! Being a barbecue lover and having tried many numerous brands I can tell you Molasses is the Bomb.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Blackstrap molasses has that bittersweet flavor. Though molasses had that many issues in the past, many people actually had that distinction nowadays as it is used mainly in baking. I’ve recently known that it provides good health benefits. One of which is it has supplemental iron without the constipation.
March 17th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I make candied carrots with it and also put it in my pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving:)
July 11th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Molasses is an essential ingredient in switchel, or haymaker’s punch. It’s an old-fashioned electrolyte drink from the days before Gatorade, and it’s great for when you’re working in the heat:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
2 tsp ginger
more molasses or white sugar to taste
water to make 2 quarts
Mix all together in a 2 quart pitcher and add extra sweetener until flavor resembles spiced cider. The slight “vinegary” smell bothers some; if you’re one of those, try it in a “to-go” cup or travel mug before you decide you don’t like it! It’s the best summertime thirst quencher.