Simple syrups are just that — simple to make. But you can use them in so many ways. Visit a local farm, pick some fresh strawberries and prep this syrup. I also subbed local honey for part of the sugar to make our syrup sing with flavor!
Cap remaining berries and cut in half into saucepan. Add sugar, honey and water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a slow boil for about 30 minutes until reduced and starting to thicken.
Pour hot syrup through thin meshed strainer into jar with scraped vanilla bean.* Chill several hours or overnight.
Syrup will keep up to 2 months in refrigerator.
To make spritzers, add 2 tablespoons of syrup to 1 cup plain or flavored seltzer. Add a splash of lemonade, wine or rum — use your imagination for other fun combinations. You can also muddle fresh mint in your glass before making.
Notes
*Do not mash berries while straining — syrup will be cloudy. Discard the berry pulp, or refrigerate and use in yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies. Tasty on toast too!