Flavor Your Joe … with these three seasonal syrups you can make yourself (Chicago Magazine, December 2020)
Recipes courtesy of Haley Amicon of Spouting Sage Syrups.
1. UNBEETABLE
Tastes like “Beets from the resting earth”
Bring 1 cup beet juice to a boil, then add 3 green cardamom pods and 3 tarragon sprigs and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain out cardamom and tarragon. Return liquid to the saucepan, add ½ cup light brown sugar, and warm over low heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
2. MINT TO BE
Tastes like “Zingy winter herbs”
Bring 1 cup water to a boil, then add 3 bags peppermint tea, 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds, and 4 fresh sage leaves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out tea bags, lavender, and sage. Return liquid to the saucepan, add ½ cup granulated sugar, and warm over low heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
3. NONNA’S RECIPE
Tastes like “Grandma’s pizzelles”
Bring ½ cup water to a boil, then add 4 star anise, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon lemon zest. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, then return liquid to the saucepan, add ½ cup honey, and warm over low heat, stirring until blended. Let cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.