Sweet Basil Simple Syrup

I am not a super adventurous foodie-type person, but I do like to try some (slightly) unusual concoctions. Often they are related to beverages and baking. I use my recipe for Vanilla Simple Syrup all the time. Recently I was at an event and the bartender had created a beverage using a Basil Simple Syrup. I was hooked! I will share my cocktail recipe in the next day or two...but I do realize you might be wondering "what else can I use Basil Simple Syrup for?" Well, let me tell ya...use it to flavor lemonade, iced tea, and other fruity delights. (I have more ideas coming!)

 
Ingredients
(easily doubled for more sweet basil goodness!)

• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Cups Granulated Sugar
•  About 8-10 good sized leaves of basil. I bought a package of organic basil at the grocery store, and for boiling, added the leaves still on the larger stem.
• You will also need a strainer

 Make it...

• Place the water, sugar, vanilla, and basil in a medium sauce pan and slowly bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.
• All in all, I simmered my syrup for about 40+ minutes on low. I really wanted to get that amazing basil flavor. If you are unsure of the taste, sample a bit as you cook, until the syrup is to your liking.
• Let cool. Strainer the mixture to remove any pieces of basil that might be in there. You want the syrup to be "smooth."
• Transfer the mixture and the bean to am airtight container (I use a mason jar for storage).
• Store in the refrigerator. I cannot quite give you a time frame for how long it will keep because we use it up quickly...a month or two is my guess! 

Want to try your hand at other syrups, check out my Vanilla Simple Syrup 

Have you made your own syrups? Whats you favorite flavor? 

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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Sparkling Apple Cardamon Cocktail

During the holiday season, I do a lot of entertaining

(OK, I confess I entertain all year long - I love a party, big or small!).

It's not always formal or fancy...

but I do like to offer my guests amazing food and a specialty beverage...

other than coffee, the beverage of choice

for most of my friends is a sparkling wine (or prosecco or champagne).

While anything sparkling is great on its own...

every once in awhile I like to change things up a bit.

Add a new flavor...

add a new twist...

and surprise my guests!

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Sweet Vanilla Goodness: How to Make Vanilla Syrup

I love drinking coffee and baking and eating. I also love experimenting with different flavors and different ways to flavor beverages and baked goods and such. I have been interested in using syrups to add a special something. I decided to start with Vanilla Syrup, after all I have quarts and quarts of homemade Vanilla Extract. This was pretty much the easiest thing I have ever tried (almost!) and it is a great addition to my morning coffee, fancy beverages, and whatever else strikes my fancy!

Seriously this is super easy!

Essentially you are making vanilla flavored simple syrup.

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA SYRUP

Ingredients
(easily doubled for more sweet vanilla goodness!)

• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Cups Granulated Sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons Pure Vanilla Extract.I make my own Vanilla Extract
• 1-2 Vanilla beans slit lengthwise (I used beans from the extract)

Make It!

• Place the water, sugar, vanilla, and vanilla bean (slit lengthwise) in a medium sauce pan and slowly bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.
• Let cool, and transfer  the mixture and the bean to am airtight container (I use a mason jar).
• Store in the refrigerator. I cannot quite give you a time frame for how long it will keep because we use it up quickly...a month or two is my guess!

And...folks that is it all done!

Perfect for

BAKING, COFFEE, or TEA

What do you put in your coffee? Your tea? Your cookies? Your cocktails?

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre >

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