Time fleets….gift-giving season is here…just a perusal of Etsy or Scoutmob makes it very clear that home-made, hand-made and diy gifts are the “thing”. With that in mind here is a final, very easy-as-this gift idea for all your food friends. Make one or make them all, it only takes an afternoon in your kitchen, and it really will put you in a holiday mood. I promise!
“Beet Juice & Ginger Simple Syrup” chilled with a splash of white rum or drizzled over vanilla ice cream with a sugar cookie? “Cranberry & Orange” with white wine anyone? “Lemon & Thyme Simple Syrup” added to a cup of relaxing hot tea with a slice of lime? Or maybe an “Apple, Habanero & Mint” with Seltzer & fruit ice cubes for a non-alcoholic pick-me-up?
From Top Left clockwise: “Fresh Beet & Ginger”, “Gala Apple, Habanero & Mint”, “Cranberry Orange” and “Very Lemon Thyme” simple syrups.
The process of each syrup is the same. It is as “easy-as-this”.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup water (liquid) + 1 cup sugar, a 1-1 ratio
“Cranberry & Orange Simple Syrup” – 1 lb fresh cranberries, the peel & juice from one orange, 2 cups water + 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, turn to simmer, stirring often until mixture thickens & sugar has melted. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat. Let cool completely.
“Apple, Habanero & Mint Simple Syrup” – Using same process as above just add 2 chopped apples, Â 1/2 tsp. finely chopped Habanero pepper (wear gloves!) & 1/2 cup mint leaves to pan.
“Fresh Beet Juice & Ginger Root Simple Syrup” – (I had cooked some fresh beets in water for another recipe..the color was just fantastic, I tasted it and it was really sweet and delicious…a simple syrup came of this happy accident.) Â 2 cups fresh beet juice + 1/4 cup peeled & sliced fresh ginger + 1 tbsp lemon peel simmered with 2 cups sugar made one really great syrup!
“Very Lemon & Thyme Simple Syrup” – the peel of 2 lemons, 1 tsp lemon extract or syrup + a handful of fresh thyme. Same process, subtle flavors.
How to Bottle or Jar:
After syrups have cooled completely strain each through a fine sieve. Wash & dry bottles or jars with lids.
Pour strained liquids into prepared bottles or jars. I, once again, got out my stash of bottles, caps & bottle capper (all from All Seasons here in Nashville) to decant my simple syrups into.
The apple has a hint of pink, the beet a deep red-burgundy, the lemon light & yellow, and the cranberry a clear red.
It is as “easy-as-that”.
have fun! life is not perfect.
Wow that looks good
When you get home we shall try a few libations with these simple syrups? Oui?
oh, yum!!!!!! i’d so love to get in the kitchen with you …..
merry Christmas
love apr
You know I do have a lot of fun and I hardly ever plan ahead. Something comes over me and I turn into a dervish is the kitchen and this is what happens. Love to you and Bill. Happy Holidays.
I vote it the best “food on fifth” ever!!! so beyootiful and doable…I think if you had been a scientist the world would have had penicillin and other “happy” accidents way earlier. I’m just sayin….
I am working on a new cure for a number of mysterious ailments at this time!!
So Pretty it makes me want a cocktail and it’s only 11 AM
Well…you know the saying about it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Maybe we should change it to it’s 11 o’clock somewhere!
You always have the best gift ideas!
I try my best to stay out of the malls and make something special for my family and friends. It takes a bit of time, but is much more fun than watching reruns on tv!
Like Jewels!
gorgeous syrups my friend
let us imbibe together soon
I do think I overheard Santa saying something about leaving a few bottles over on Belmont Blvd?
All of your gift giving ideas are terrific. Homemade gifts are so appreciated…especially for the person who has everything.
Karen you are so right. Even if a person who does not have everything it is still nice to get and give a homemade edible gift that can be consumed during the season…no storage for later, no what do I do with this-ness…just a lovely suspended moment in time where the giver and the receiver are melded in their appreciation of the same things. Thanks for all your visits this 2013. See you soon! Happy Holidays.
Teresa those bottles are absolutely adorbs!!! Kind of like you 😉
I think you’re right: Life isn’t perfect. And neither are we. We should all laugh more. Both at ourselves and at circumstance. Have a wonderfully beautiful new years and I hope only good things for you in the coming months. You’re amazing. xoxoxoxo happy holidays my friend!
Thanks for sharing! looks amazing 😉