HANDMADE HOLIDAYS: RASPBERRY SYRUP

Have you ever had raspberry syrup drizzled over pancakes?

If you have, you are lucky!

If you haven’t, you are in for a treat!

Raspberry syrup is one of my favorites and I love to make it in small batches throughout the year.  Since it’s not technically “canned” it needs to be kept in the refrigerator and will last up to two weeks.

If you are giving this to a family a half pint will be good for two people, or a pint for four or more.  It will be good for one yummy breakfast!

Often the holidays are a time when we receive a bunch of baked goods all at one time, and that is quite overwhelming.  Something that can be set aside and used with an actual meal is much appreciated!

This recipe makes approximately 3 cups.  Be sure to set some aside for your family!

Gather your ingredients: 6 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, 2 cups water (divided), 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

STEP ONE: Combine raspberries and 1 cup of the water in a large saucepan or cooking pot.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil for 15 minutes.  Add the 2nd cup of water and bring back to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: This does not need to be a “hard boil”, but it does need to be a consistent boil.  Be sure to stir consistently to avoid scorching.  

STEP TWO: Place a couple of layers of cheesecloth in a strainer and let the berries drain into a bowl.  When most of the liquid has drained, you can pick up the four corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to get the remaining liquid out. You will have approximately 2 cups of raspberry juice.

STEP THREE: Rinse out any seeds in your cooking pot, and then add the juice back in.  Add sugar.  Bring to boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat and cook on low for 5-10 minutes.  Be sure to stir consistently to avoid scorching.  You will notice the juice start to thicken.  (I boiled mine for 8 minutes before I noticed it thickening.)

STEP FOUR: Remove pan from heat and add vanilla if desired.

STEP FIVE: Cool and package as desired.  Keep refrigerated.

NOTE: I bought my cheesecloth at Walmart.

Happy Handmade Holidays!

If you love this post be sure to PIN IT or share it on FACEBOOK!

I am linking up at these wonderful parties!