Basil Simple Syrup

Prep: 5 min., Cook: 5 min., Stand: 30 min., Chill 4 hr. Stir two to three Tbsp. of this tasty syrup into Very Refreshing Iced Tea or Lemonade.

Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 1  cup  sugar*
• 1  cup  water
• 1  cup  loosely packed fresh basil
• Garnish: fresh basil sprigs

Preparation

1. Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and boil 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let stand 30 minutes. Pour liquid through a wire-mesh strainer into a cruet or airtight container, discarding basil. Cover and chill 4 hours. Garnish, if desired. Syrup may be stored in refrigerator up to 1 month.

*3/4 cup sugar/no-calorie sweetener may be substituted. For testing purposes only, we used Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking.

Lemon Balm Simple Syrup: Substitute 1 cup loosely packed fresh lemon balm leaves for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves, if desired.

Mint Simple Syrup: Substitute 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Substitute 4 fresh rosemary sprigs for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.