My mother used a product called Mapleine and so have I for years. It stays fine on your shelf literally for years...it's a imitation maple flavoring that makes 12 pints. You can make a thin syrup with sugar and water or a thick one with corn syrup etc..the instructions are on the back. Sometimes it is hard to find in grocery stores. You may want to go in with friends or family as I did, and order a case from the company. The address on the pkg is Crescent Mfg Co, Seattle, WA 98134.