Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Water with Flavor ~ Rosemary & Plum Simple Syrup - Simple Saturday

I've never been one of those people who carry a water bottle around with them where ever they go. Yet, when I make a conscious effort to really DRINK more water I always feel better. I have less aches and pains. My skin feels better, my face looks more rested and my eyes are brighter. So, why don't I drink more water? It's boring... and it makes me have to stop for a rest(room) every hour, which is aggravating. I'm such a big baby!

ROSEMARY & PLUM WATER
Here's how I put the fun into getting hydrated - I added flavor. Ok, I know I didn't come up with this great idea, although many years ago I did pitch the idea to Crystal Geyser even before they were flavoring sparkling water. I wish I had a penny for everyone of those sold.I know some peeps might be thinking, who has the time to flavor water? I challenge you to call forth the 10-year-old version of yourself that had fun creating your own science experiments and play a little with this tasty luxury. By the way, it is also beautiful and can add a little sparkle to your table, picnic, or party.
The basis is a Simple Syrup, aptly named because it is SO SIMPLE to make. The big plus to making Simple Syrup is how many ways you can use it: sweetener for tea/coffee/cocktails, a flavor addition to flat or sparkling waters, a flavored extract for baking, etc...
Simple Syrup is merely equal parts water and sugar, heated to almost boiling and then cooled. That's it. That's all. After that, it's play-time. You can flavor your simple syrup by infusing it with herbs, spices, liquors, jams, fruits, extracts, zest, tea, or edible flowers. Try your hand at combining flavors and see what you come up with - why not?
For this combo, I used Rosemary and a bit of my homemade Plum Jam. After making the Simple Syrup, I stored it in the refrigerator and I've used it for chilled waters, ice pops, a mojito and in muffins. I'm having fun. Join in.ReCipE: Rosemary Plum Simple Syrup for WATER

3 cups water
3 cups sugar
2-3 large sprigs of fresh Rosemary
2 Tablespoons Plum Jam1) In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to almost boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar.

2) Remove from the heat and stir in the jam and herbs, cover and let infuse for 20 minutes.

3) Strain into a bottle, label and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

When making Rosemary Plum Water - add syrup per glass or into a large bottle according to taste.

2 comments:

Khali//Bandit and the Scene Stealers said...

I am hosting a bridal shower weekend and you better believe I will be making this and putting on and in everything. Do you think it is ok if your Plum Rosemary SS up stages the bride?

Pearls said...

Just made this. Love it!