“We love maple syrup,’’ says Ron Cort, “and we’ve found a way to make it better.’’
More than two years ago, Cort introduced Nana’s Special Sauce, a novel, and decadent, twist on traditional maple syrup that combines maple syrup, marshmallow, and real melted butter. Inspired by the pancake syrup his mother concocted for him and his siblings while growing up in Weston, Cort continued the family tradition by serving the topping that included Marshmallow Fluff to his own children. Over the years, friends urged him to bottle the unique maple syrup. When the pandemic paused his career in trucking consulting, Cort seized the opportunity to pursue the idea.
Collaborating with the Cornell Food Venture Center, which assists entrepreneurs in developing new food products, he refined the recipe. Together they replaced Marshmallow Fluff with marshmallow for improved safety since Fluff contains eggs, and made it ready to sell in the marketplace. Cort began selling Nana’s Special Sauce initially at farmers’ markets in squat bottles adorned with a sketch of his mother, Marie, on the label. Customers were wowed by its silky, viscous texture and caramel-like flavor. Today, you can find it in more than two dozen stores across Greater Boston and beyond. Give the bottle a good shake to mix the ingredients, and try the syrup warmed up. It’s not only for pancakes and waffles, but delicious drizzled over ice cream, or use to roast chicken, as its sugariness helps caramelize the skin.
“My mom wanted to spread joy wherever she went,’’ says Cort. In her honor, he donates a percentage of the profits to charities that help children ($18 for 8 ounces). Available at Foodie’s Markets, 230 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-269-4700; Fells Market, 326 Weston Road, Wellesley, 781-235-1555; Wilson Farm, 10 Pleasant St., Lexington, 781-862-3900, and others, or go to nanasspecialsauce.com.
ANN TRIEGER KURLAND
Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at anntrieger@gmail.com.
