Vanilla Bean Syrup

Vanilla Bean Syrup

by | Nov 8, 2019 | CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES | 0 comments

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A small glass jar of Vanilla Bean Syrup resting in a wooden tray draped with a laced napkin.

Some of the simplest things are the most delicious. The combination of vanilla and sugar is just such an instance. This classic combo comes together as Vanilla Bean Syrup when you combine with water and give it a gentle simmer.

You might be asking what need you might have for this jar or aromatic sweetness? Let me give you plenty of reasons. One of my favourites is to flavour specialty coffee and teas like my Baileys London Fog. There’s no need to spend copious amounts of money at a fancy coffee shop when you can make your favourites at home. My second favourite way to use it is for brushing onto cakes. It adds tremendous moisture and flavour to cake layers or the tops of sweet loaves. But the list is longer yet, drizzle it onto fruit salad, ricotta pancakes, plain yogurt with fruit (that way you control the sugar), smoothies and cocktails. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Syrup resting in a wooden tray lined with a laced napkin and a stainless steel pot sits in the background.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Vanilla Bean Syrup
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    2/3 cup 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    5 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    2/3 cup 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    5 minutes
    Vanilla Bean Syrup
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      2/3 cup 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      5 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      2/3 cup 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      5 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: cup
      Instructions
      1. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds with a small spoon or knife.
      2. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until mixture comes to a simmer and sugar is fully dissolved, stirring often. Once at a simmer, cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla beans.
      3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and then refridgerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 month.

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      Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup

      Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup

      by | Sep 17, 2018 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES, GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN | 0 comments

      I’m getting older you know!  But the benefit of this, is the chance to have a party.  So that’s just what my husband did for me this year on my recent birthday.   Along with my extra year of age, I also received many wonderful gifts that day.  One of which was a Mexican food basket that contained great items such as fresh tomatillos, corn husks and chipotle peppers in adobo. But the one ingredient that really got my attention was the dried hibiscus flowers.  I knew right away that I wanted to use this product for a blog post and set to work on making a lovely, richly infused Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup.

       

      Dried hibiscus is just that, hibiscus flowers that have been dried, and probably most common for making tea.  When steeped, it has the most amazing deep purplish- red colour and tart berry like taste.  Perfect for beverages, hot or cold, jams, and sauces.  Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup is slightly tart and fruity with a hint of sweetness.  It’s amazing on pancakes, ice cream, cake, yogurt and fruit.  A little thicker than a simple syrup, but go on and stir it into a vodka cocktail, champagne or punch as well.  That’s if it makes it past the pancakes and ice cream of course…..enjoy!

      Recipe source for Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup:  Compelled To Cook

      Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        2 1/2 cups 10 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        30-35 minutes 90 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        2 1/2 cups 10 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        30-35 minutes 90 minutes
        Strawberry Hibiscus Syrup
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          2 1/2 cups 10 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          30-35 minutes 90 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          2 1/2 cups 10 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          30-35 minutes 90 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: cups
          Instructions
          1. In a medium sauce pan bring water to a simmer. Add dried hibiscus and bring back to a boil, stirring to soak all the hibiscus. Turn off heat and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, allowing hibiscus to drain naturally without squeezing or pushing on it.
          2. Return liquid to the pot and add frozen strawberries along with any juice and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to a steady boil and allow to cook, uncovered for 15-20 minutes, mashing berries with a fork or back of a wooden spoon to help them break down.
          3. Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water until dissolved. Add to syrup, stirring constantly until mixture is fully combined and has returned to a boil. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and allow to cool to room temperature, then cool completely in the refrigerator to reach full thickness.
          4. Pour into sealable jars or airtight container and keep refrigerated until ready to use. Will keep refrigerated for 2-3 weeks well sealed.
          Recipe Notes

          -Yields approximately 2 1/2 cups of syrup.