Minnesota Breakfast Syrup

Several years ago I read an article by an elderly gentleman from Minnesota in which he was reminiscing about his childhood breakfasts. In it he wrote that many people assume Maple syrup to be what was traditionally served up north, but in fact it wasn't what you'd find on the table at homes or diners. I cannot remember what he said the traditional syrup served was. He said it was to Minnesotan's what sorghum molasses is to the south and Maple syrup to the northeast. If anyone happens to know, I'd appreciate the information. Thank you.

Droplet
  • Posted by: Droplet
  • June 28, 2013
  • 2804 views
  • 5 Comments

5 Comments

Maedl June 28, 2013
Well, it figures with all the German influence up there that it would be Goldsaft! I don’t think it takes much t acquire the taste though!
 
Droplet June 28, 2013
Zuckerrübensirup-- I think that was it. Thank you for the trail :)
 
Maedl June 28, 2013
I believe that molasses is made from sugar cane, not beets, but you might want to look into Grandma’s Molasses. Syrup is made from sugar beets--it’s sold as ‘Goldsaft’ in Germany. Perhaps look for Golden Syrup in the US. You might also look at Lyle’s, from England. That, too is made from sugar cane, though.
 
Droplet June 28, 2013
Thanks for the input, Maedl. Unfortunately my memory of the article is vague...I want to say that it was sugar beet molasses diluted with water that he was talking about, but I am just not certain...I remember him mentioning that "it took a little getting used to"...
 
Maedl June 28, 2013
I'll take a wild stab at this and suggest that if it wasn't maple syrup, it was something on the order of Aunt Jemima's, or a precursor, since Aunt Jemima syrup was first produced i the 60s. That is what I remember being served in Midwestern diners back then
 
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