Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jar with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the blueberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a clean bowl, pressing the blueberries with a wooden spoon to extract all the juice.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Transfer the syrup to a glass jar with a lid and let cool completely.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat to bring mixture to a boil
- Low heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of syrup
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Blueberries: raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
- Lemon juice: lime juice, orange juice
- Vanilla extract: almond extract, maple extract
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor
- Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the syrup even more
Tips and tricks:
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor, but frozen blueberries work just as well
- Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to prevent burning
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking for a sweeter or less sweet syrup
Storage instructions:
- Store in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Reheating instructions:
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt
- Use as a topping for cheesecake or pound cake
Garnishes:
- Fresh blueberries
- Mint leaves
Pairings:
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French toast
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Cheesecake
- Pound cake
Suggested side dishes:
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Scrambled eggs
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the syrup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken
- If the syrup is too thick, add a little water to thin it out
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator
- Discard if the syrup develops an off odor or flavor
Food history:
- Blueberries are native to North America and have been used by Native Americans for centuries for medicinal purposes
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Tart
- Fruity
Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm or cold over your favorite breakfast or dessert
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