Simple syrup is commonly used for a glaze on baked goods, to sweeten tea, coffee, and cocktails.

SIMPLE SYRUP

2 cups sugar, 2 cups water

Get out a saucepan, add the sugar and water, bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until all the sugar is dissolved.  Remove from the stove and allow to cool.

Let’s take it up a notch and add 1/2 pound of fresh strawberries.  Get out a large bowl.  Add approximately 2 cups lukewarm water, then add 1/4 cup sea salt, stir until the salt dissolves, add about 1/4 cup ice chips.  Allow the water to cool. Add the strawberries.  Allow the strawberries to set in the water for about 3-minutes, remove from the bowl, and rinse in cool running water. Please do not skip this step!  Fresh strawberries have pesticides and bacteria washing them in the saltwater will ensure they are clean and free of any pesticides and bacteria. Finely dice the strawberries.

Get out a saucepan, add the water, sugar, and strawberries, heat to medium-high, stir together until the sugar dissolves.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the strawberries are soft and water is a brilliant red.   Remove the pot from the stove.  Strain the liquid through a fine strainer.  DO NOT MASH THE STRAWBERRIES;  if you mash the strawberries, the syrup will look cloudy.  Pour into a glass container, screw on a top refrigerate until you are ready to use it.