Over the next couple of days, I’ll be posting a Fig Crostata, reminiscent of the crostatas I fell in love with in Italy, and a Cider-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup. Both of these recipes use an Apple Cider Syrup I make every autumn when ciders begin to appear in the markets. As an introduction to these next two postings, I thought I’d share the syrup recipe separately since it can be used a number of ways:
* Mixed with a little maple syrup (or not) and poured over your morning pancakes;
* Brush as a glaze on pie crusts fresh from the oven;
* A drizzle for apple pie fresh from the oven or over vanilla ice cream;
* An ingredient for a soup, pie, or sauces.
It’s so easy to make and I frequently just need a couple or more tablespoons, so I usually just make one cup of syrup at a time and keep it in the refrigerator. I used cinnamon and cardamom as my spices, but feel free to have some fun with this syrup. Infusing the syrup with ginger or allspice would be wonderful options too!
As a note, if you follow the directions, and apply standard canning practices, this would make a wonderful small gift for family and friends now that the holidays, amazingly, are on the horizon.
Apple Cider Syrup
Makes 1 1/4 cups syrup
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cardamom pods, smashed
- 1/2 cup agave nectar
Instructions
Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods in a wide-mouthed pot and bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and continue to simmer until the cider is reduced to 1 cup of liquid, about 30 minutes.
Strain out the cinnamon and cardamom, and return the liquid to the pot. Add the agave nectar and return the liquid to a boil over high heat. Bring the liquid to 218 degrees F, using a candy thermometer to confirm the temperature.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before pouring into a jar.
Perfect for fall!
lizthechef recently posted..Grandma’s Recipe of the Month: Apple-Almond Spice Muffins
My whole kitchen smells like autumn now
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..Apple Cider Syrup
I adore apple cider syrup! Though I’ve never tried it with cardamom pods … holy yum.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty recently posted..M&M’s Pumpkin Bread
Thanks so much! I love cardamom and sneak it into all kinds of things
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..Apple Cider Syrup
Love this, I will be making it can’t wait to get some cider!!
apuginthekitchen recently posted..Simple Concord Grape Jam
Thanks Suzanne! I hope you like it. I’d love to hear what other spices you might use if you experiment with it
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..Apple Cider Syrup
This syrup sounds like heaven my friend
Looking forward to the crostata!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..A Premature Happy Holidays!
Oh man, CCU, I gotta tell you the crostata is so good. I made it today and got good enough shots off the camera of it so we could enjoy a piece, or two, tonight. You will love it!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..Apple Cider Syrup
I ADORE Cardamom and cannot wait to try this!
The Squishy Monster recently posted..Sweet Potato Cupcakes
I know – I’m adding it to everything I can sneak it into these days
I hope you like the syrup!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted.. FigLove: Fig Crostata
Nice!!! I made an apple cider molasses last year, and added it to some cookies. I love this recipe, and really need to try it now:-) It sounds like it would be amazing in almost anything:-) Hugs, Terra