Use a variety of ingredients (nuts, dried fruit, Cheerios, Shreddies, pretzels…) for either sweet or spicy. Add complementary spices/flavours (cinnamon for sweet and Cajun spice, garlic powder and seasoning salt for spicy)
2 tbsps butter
1 cup maple syrup
Bring butter and syrup to a boil.
Toss into dry ingredients until well coated. Spread mixture onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake at 325 F for approx 30 minutes until golden brown (to ensure the mixture is ‘dry’).
Maple Caramel Sauce
¼ cup maple sugar with ¼ cup water added
or
½ cup maple syrup (reduced to ¼ cup)

½ cup whipping cream (a little less if thicker sauce is desired)

Heat sugar/syrup to a simmer (allow all water to evaporate) and add cream. Leave on low heat, and stir to combine. Allow to simmer on low for up to 5 minutes, so as to not burn the mixture. Serve warm or chilled.
Refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.