Simple Syrup

One summer day when I was just a puppy, one of the children wanted to make lemonade. It was an extremely easy recipe, with just water, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Wait, what was simple syrup?

SIMPLE SYRUP: EQUAL PARTS SUGAR AND WATER DISSOLVED UNDER HEAT.

Wow. That WAS simple. Digging out a saucepan, the children quickly set to work.

Ingredients:

• Sugar, 2 cups

• Water, 2 cups

• Optional: 1 or 2 Rosemary sprigs, or a handful of basil leaves, citrus peel, or any other type of organic herbs to add flavor, if desired

Steps:

1. Pour all sugar and water into a saucepan.

2. Turn on the oven to medium heat.

3. Stir the concoction until it starts to simmer, the syrup should be clear when it's done.

4. Remove from heat.

5. If you're making infused simple syrup, now's the time to add whatever flavoring ingredient(s) you want: vanilla, mint, basil... the choices are endless!

6. Soak the flavoring ingredient(s) until the syrup has cooled to room temperature

And that's it!

(Note: In this picture, we used blood orange rind)

Watson's Note: While horrifyingly sweet on its own, simple syrup can be combined with other ingredients to make a truly delicious drink (see: Lemonade) or pie. Simple syrup is one of those timeless additions to the pantry that make everyone's lives simpler. Flavored simple syrup only lasts 1-2 weeks, but plain simple syrup can last up to 4 weeks.

Alright, that's enough talking. Now to go enjoy my belly rubs and Milk Bones...