The Not So Merry Berry

We all have them. Especially this time of year. Don't deny it. It happens to all of us. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. We all go to the outdoor farmer's markets with our significant others, our kids, maybe even our dogs, and we see those huge beautiful flats of berries. And they look so good. We know they will be eaten. We promise ourselves that we will dine on those ripe delicious little morsels instead of ice cream for dessert. We are certain.

Fast forward a few days. And there the berries are. Uneaten. They aren't bad...yet. But they are past the beauty of the market. There is too much guilt to throw them away...but they don't look as appetizing and that ice cream is calling. So what to do with those little guys?? I have your answer!

Make homemade syrup! It is great on pancakes, waffles, that ice cream. But even better on these hot summer days, it makes the BEST Italian sodas ever. No really. Trust me. I know. This also works with peaches. :)

What you need to do:
Boil 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a 4 qt pot. Heat it until the sugar until it is dissolved. Add 2 cups of your less than fabulous fruit-- 1.5 cups for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. NO MOLDY PIECES! 

Boil the fruit for 10 minutes. Then reduce to a simmer for another 10 minutes.










Strain the fruit out and you have a lovely syrup.

If you want the syrup thicker, return it to the pan and let it reduce more over med-low heat.






You can save the fruit for use on pancakes, waffles, ice-cream, or whatever. It's really pretty sweet, so watch out!

The syrup will keep for about a week in the fridge...but ours rarely lasts that long.

I really like it as Italian sodas.

What you will need for a 16oz glass:

3 Tbs fruit syrup
Club Soda
1/2 n' 1/2 (optional)
Ice

Pour the syrup in the glass. Add ice. Add enough club soda to fill the glass with room for cream (if you are using it). Stir and enjoy! So easy and so good.

Now you can be free of berry (and peach) guilt!