HERB SIMPLE SYRUP

Fresh herbs add a sophisticated flavor and essence to homemade simple syrups.  It is as simple as it sounds - allowing your choice of herbs to infusing in the syrup – yet it sounds sophisticated and like something that might have taken hours!  A simple syrup requires only two ingredients – sugar and water – and basically is liquefied sugar which is created when they are heated together.  Add herbs and the possibilities are endless.

HERB SIMPLE SYRUP
1c water
1c sugar
herb(s)
            Bring the water to a boil, then whisk in sugar until it is dissolved.  Add herb of choice to the mixture for 1 minute, then remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.  Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or multiple layers of cheesecloth into a bottle or glass jar.  Label and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 6 months.  The syrup is very sweet and concentrated.
Note: A fresh sprig of the used herb may be added to the finished syrup when bottled if desired

HERBS:
5 sprigs basil
5 sprigs cinnamon basil + 2” cinnamon stick
4 sprigs rosemary
8-10 scented geranium leaves
1Tbs lavender buds
1/4c chopped lemongrass
1 handful fresh mint
6 sprigs thyme
8 bay leaves
1/4c lemon verbena leaves
2” piece of peeled gingerroot
1/4c Roselle calyx
1/2c edible flowers (elderberry, violets, rose petals)

The wonderful herbal flavor essence can be added in place of the liquid in recipes for cakes and pies, drizzled over all kinds of fresh fruit and fruit salads, used to sweeten beverages including tea, sparkling water or juice, drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, or made into sorbets.

"So whether you eat or drink,
or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
I Corinthians 10:31