Strawberry Syrup is a delightful addition to many sweet treats and beverages. The bright, fresh flavor of strawberries adds a burst of summer to pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or even lemonade. Making your own strawberry syrup at home is easier than you might think, and the results are far superior to store-bought options. Whip up a batch of this vibrant syrup to elevate your breakfasts and desserts with a touch of homemade goodness.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep the Strawberries:** Start by washing the strawberries under cold water. Remove the tops or hulls and slice them into small pieces.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, add the sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. **Cook the Mixture:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the strawberry mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the strawberries have softened and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. **Mash the Strawberries:** Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash the strawberries in the saucepan. This will help release more flavor and color into the syrup.
5. **Strain the Syrup:** Once the mixture has cooked down to your desired consistency and the strawberries are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl, then pour the strawberry syrup through the strainer to separate the liquid from the solids. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the strawberries to extract all the syrup.
6. **Cool and Store:** Let the strawberry syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar or airtight container. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Drizzle the strawberry syrup over your favorite breakfast items like pancakes, waffles, or french toast. It also makes a delicious topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt. For a refreshing drink, mix a spoonful of the syrup into lemonade or iced tea. Get creative and enjoy the fruity essence of your homemade strawberry syrup!
Making your own strawberry syrup is a fun and rewarding way to bring a taste of summer into your kitchen all year round. Experiment with the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of sugar, or add a hint of vanilla extract for extra flavor complexity. Homemade syrups like this one can also make lovely gifts for friends and family, packaged in pretty jars with a ribbon. Embrace the joy of creating something delicious from scratch with this simple and versatile strawberry syrup recipe.
