Homemade Berry Syrup

This morning I made strawberry syrup from our fresh strawberries but you can use most any berry, fresh or frozen. I've made it with blueberries, wild blackberries, mixed berries, wild elderberries (it takes a lot of elderberries so i usually mix them with others), wild raspberries and raspberries from the farmers market. I tried raisin syrup once but we didn't like it all *~*

I do everything by hand but you could use a mixer or something the squish the berries, or it's wonderful with the berries left in. Just be sure the opening of you bottle or jar is big enough. I strain my syrup because my son doesn't like the chunks but never throw our the berry pulp. We usually have it on scones or shortbread for dessert or breakfast with a splash of cold milk.

this is the recipe I use ...

Homemade Berry Syrup

2 c berries
1/2 c water
2 c sugar
2 T lemon juice (optional)

Add 2 cups berries (cut up if they're large) and lemon juice to a heavy sauce pan. Mash up with berry or potato masher. Add water and sugar, mix well and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain into warmed bottle or jar, cap tightly and refrigerate. Put strained bits in a bowl to use later (they can aslo be frozen) The syrup thickens as it cools. Makes about 3 cups.

It's also very good in iced tea and milk :)