Basil Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar*
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil
• Garnish: fresh basil sprigs

1. Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and boil 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let stand 30 minutes. Pour liquid through a wire-mesh strainer into a cruet or airtight container, discarding basil. Cover and chill 4 hours. Garnish, if desired. Syrup may be stored in refrigerator up to 1 month.
2. *3/4 cup sugar/no-calorie sweetener may be substituted. For testing purposes only, we used Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking.
3. Lemon Balm Simple Syrup: Substitute 1 cup loosely packed fresh lemon balm leaves for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves, if desired.
4. Mint Simple Syrup: Substitute 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
5. Rosemary Simple Syrup: Substitute 4 fresh rosemary sprigs for fresh basil. Prepare recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

sugar, water, fresh basil, fresh basil sprigs

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/basil-simple-syrup (may not work)