While not a dessert in and of itself, syrups are a delicious accompaniment to many sweet treats. From classic caramel syrup over vanilla ice cream to homemade maple syrup to exotic fruit blends combined into refreshing drinks, chilly ices or elegant desserts, syrup is a versatile accessory to many dishes.
Simple Syrups
The basic syrup recipe is simply a thick mixture of sugar, water and flavoring. The term "simple syrup" refers to the sugar and water base, without flavoring; many cooks prefer to make larger quantities of simple syrup that can be divided into many different flavors for different dishes. It can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Flavoring lemonades, fruit juices, and tropical drinks with or without alcohol
- As a unique sundae or ice cream topping
- As a sweet alternative to heavy cake frostings and icing
- Garnishing plates for cake, fruit salad or gourmet dishes
- To freeze or poach fruit with complementary flavors
- Creating snow cones or other ice treats
Simple Syrup Recipe
Use this syrup as a base for desserts, mojitos, or as a pancake topping. To make mock maple syrup, substitute the sugar for brown sugar and add a teaspoon of maple flavor to the finished syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white or raw sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Pour the sugar into the pan.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring so the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Allow to cool.
The syrup can be stored in a tightly sealed, refrigerated bottle for up to 6 months.
Fruit Syrups
Fruit syrups can be made by either adding fruit juice to a simple recipe, or by cooking ripe fruit with sugar and water. Fruit syrups can be made out of any fruit, but the ones that work best include:
- Berries
- Cherries
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Mango
- Peach
- Banana
The softer the fruit, the easier time you'll have getting a thick syrup from it.
Fruit Syrup Recipe
This is a thick recipe; if using a hard fruit like apples or a stringy fruit like oranges, strain the end product for a thinner syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe fruit, diced or cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Place all three ingredients in a saucepan and heat to boiling.
- Mash the fruit into the sugar and water as it boils.
- Continue cooking until you get a thick mixture.
- Pour the contents of the pan into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate syrup is easy to make, and allows for endless flavor combinations. Create a syrup that is a mixture of chocolate and fruit, chocolate and mint, chocolate and malt or other delicious chocolate combinations. Homemade chocolate syrup is an inexpensive alternative to store bought kinds, and doesn't use ingredients like high fructose corn syrup as its base.
Use chocolate syrup as a pancake topping, mixed with milk, or as a drizzle over pies and ice cream.
Chocolate Syrup Recipe
Use this simple recipe as a base for other flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Heat the water in a pan and add the cocoa powder.
- Stir well to dissolve.
- Add the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Boil for three minutes, and then remove from heat.
- Add the salt and vanilla and allow it to cool.
Store in a tightly sealed, refrigerated jar for up to 6 months.
Snow Cone Syrup Recipe
Contributed by By Erin Coleman, R.D., L.D., Registered and Licensed Dietitian
Don't chase the ice cream truck. Make your own snow cone at home with this syrup recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope powdered lemonade drink mix
- 1 envelope powdered unsweetened cherry-flavored Kool-aid drink mix
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and stir well.
- Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and flavoring dissolve.
- Cool the mixture and place it in a clean container for pouring.
- Top crushed ice with the syrup to enjoy a refreshing snow cone.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
The Key to Syrup Recipes
The key step in recipes for syrup involves boiling sugar, so great care must be taken to prevent scorching; stir the mixture continuously. Do not skimp on heating time or temperature, since the sugar may not dissolve completely if adjustments are made. Some recipes call for using Karo or corn syrup instead of granulated sugar because it is already a liquid sweetener; be sure to use appropriate proportions and treat the mixture just as carefully. Hot sugar mixtures can splatter and cause serious burns, so do not let children participate in making the syrup. For a more fluid mixture, add additional water; reduce the water proportion for dense syrup to use as a topping or icing. Don't be timid about experimenting with new flavors and alternative combinations to create your own signature blend.
