Vanilla Simple Syrup

It is no secret that we love vanilla. The distinct, creamy flavor of the vanilla bean adds so much to baked goods and drinks (two of our favorite things). It was only a matter of time before we created a vanilla simple syrup.

I love how versatile this simple syrup is. I've been using it almost every morning in my cold-brewed iced coffee (recipe coming very soon!) When you add granulated sugar to cold coffee, you have to stir and stir and stir, and hopefully the sugar will eventually dissolve. But with a simple syrup, it mixes in a flash. And then of course, you have that kiss of vanilla. And this simple syrup is equally at home in cocktails. It is a clear winner.

Vanilla Simple Syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 vanilla bean

1. Add sugar and water to a sauce pan, and heat until sugar has dissolved.
2. Scrape the seeds out of a vanilla bean, and add to the sauce pan. Let steep for 10 to 20 minutes, and then strain through a very fine sieve, cheesecloth, or (what we used) a permanent coffee filter. Let cool, bottle, and refrigerate. It should last a month or so in your fridge. Yields 1 cup.