Simple Syrup with Flavor Variations

Syrups can be a great holiday gift. Decorate with ribbon and add a name tag for an elegant touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Simple Syrup

1. Bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Funnel Simple Syrup into a bottle(s).
3. The syrup may be kept for up to 2 weeis in the refrigerator.

Flavored Simple Syrup

1. To keep it very simple, add 1 tablespoon desired extract to the basic recipe. Add a favorite fruit, herb or spice to the basic simple syrup mixture and continue as above, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes (depending on the flavor you're using). Strain if necessary. Allow to cool, funnel into bottles and store as directed above.

Notes

Use empty glass bottles to store the syrup. Clean bottles thoroughly before using.

If you want a thicker Simple Syrup, increase the sugar to 2 cups. This is best for pancakes and waffles and for pouring over cakes and desserts.

Flavor Variations

Autumn Spice: Add to the syrup, while cooking. 2 sticks cinnamon, 6 cloves, 2 pieces star anise, 6 pieces whole allspice, pinch freshly grated nutmeg. Strain before using.
Almond: Add 1 tablespoon almond extract after simmering.
Basil: Add 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
Bay Leaf: Add 2 dried bay leaves.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Replace granulated sugar with light brown sugar; add 2 cinnamon sticks while the syrup is cooking.
Chamomile: Add 2 tablespoons dried chamomile.
Cinnamon: Add 5 cinnamon sticks.
Elderflower: Add 1/2 cup elderflowers and the juice of 1 lemon.
Ginger and Cardamom: Add 1 tablespoon of ginger and 6 whole cardamom pods.
Jalapeño: Add one thinly sliced jalapeño and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
Lavender: Add 3 tablespoons dried lavender.
Mint: Add 12 mint leaves.
Orange Ginger: Add to the syrup, while cooking, the rind of 1 orange and 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled.
Raspberry: Add 10 muddled raspberries.
Rose: Add 1/2 cup dried rose blossoms.
Rosemary: Add two large rosemary sprigs.
Vanilla: Add the pulp and pod of 1/2 vanilla bean to the sugar and water and proceed as directed for Flavored Simple Syrup.
Vanilla Bean: Add 1 tablespoon vanilla paste.

Uses for Simple Syrup

In Iced tea or coffee
In cocktails and mocktails
Pouring over cakes and desserts
As a quick glaze for meats, fish or poultry
Over pancakes and waffles

Attribution

Photo credit: LittleRedKitchen on Visualhunt