Homemade Berry Syrup

 

1 cup berries, fresh or frozen

Sugar

Grated lime peel

 

In a small saucepan, heat berries and a few spoonfuls of sugar, along with a splash of water, over low heat until berry juices start to release. Pull the berry-sugar mixture from the heat and let cool for a moment. Divide the mixture and reserve half. Purée the other half in a blender until smooth. Pour it through a strainer to remove the skins and seeds (you can compost these). Put the strained syrup back in the saucepan and heat over low heat. Grate in a bit of lime peel and cook until just heated through. Add the remaining whole berries and heat until about to burst, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.  NOTE: Follow the same instructions with just about any berry. Try varying the citrus as well. Strawberries love orange, and raspberries love lemon. This berry syrup will keep refrigerated for two weeks, or frozen in an airtight container for four to six weeks.