Herb Recipes and Herbal Syrups

by Connie and Crew in Behalf of Heather

I read this recipe on an herbal site and wrote to the original author of the recipe , Heather, to ask permission to post it here. She agreed and here is my paraphrase of her thoughts.

Heather suggests either growing herbs or finding edible herbs in the wooded areas near you. Possibilities could include fragrant herbs like mints, fennels, sages, spice bush and many balms such as lemon balm. Be sure that you have properly identified any herbs you are gathering and also be certain that these herbs have not been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.

Now you are ready to make a simple syrup. You will need
1 1/2 cp water
1 1/2 cp sugar
About 8-10 herb sprigs (or a large handful) of herbs of your choice.

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Bruise herbs well with a wooden spoon and add to sugar water. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 1 hour.

Remove the leaves and be sure to squeeze them to give the syrup all the flavor. Pour into clean jar and label. Keeps in fridge for about 4 weeks.

Heather suggests some uses for these syrups. She like to make a refreshing cocktail by mixing vodka, soda and one of her simple syrups. She also suggests using them in pie fillings or adding to your cake mixtures. Drizzle over sorbet or fruit, brush the tops of pound cakes, muffins or breads (I would add scones here) just out of the oven.