Spicy Simple Syrup

• 2 cups sugar (evaporated organic cane sugar from Trader Joes works well)
• 4 cups water
• 12-15 cinnamon sticks, broken up
• 10 star anise pods
• 1/4 ounce whole allspice (a large handful)
• 18 ounce whole cloves
• 1 vanilla pod, sliced down the center and opened out
• 1 large ginger root, 4 to 6 ounces, grated.

1. Place all ingredients except sugar and ginger in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Turn down the heat and simmer, covered, for two hours.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until well dissolved.
4. Cool to room temperature, then grate the ginger and stir in.
5. Cover and set aside for at least 12 hours.
6. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a sealable jar and refrigerate.

sugar, water, cinnamon, anise pods, whole allspice, cloves, vanilla, ginger root

Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015330 (may not work)