cook like james

Simple syrup is incredibly handy and can be used to sweeten fruit salad as well as your favorite summer drinks. It lasts for a couple of months in the refrigerator and you can create a variety of flavors. Just add fresh mint, ginger root, lemon, lime or orange zest to create new flavors – I like using fresh mint with mixed berries.

Download Perfect Mixed Berry Salad with Simple Syrup recipe

Simple Syrup

½ cup sugar

¼ cup water

1 tablespoon chopped Fresh mint (or other flavor from list above)

Fruit:

2 cups fresh blueberries

1 ½ cups fresh blackberries

1 ½ cups fresh raspberries

½ cup white grapes, sliced in half lengthwise

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (optional)

1. Bring sugar, water and mint to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat and cook until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Transfer syrup to airtight container and refrigerate until needed.

2. Toss berries in serving bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup (and optional Grand Marnier) and mix gently to combine.