Spiced Apple Delight Syrup
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of our Spiced Apple Delight Syrup, a delightful twist on traditional maple syrup. This syrup is a fantastic accompaniment for pancakes, waffles, and French toast, bringing the warmth of autumn to your breakfast table. Made from tart apples, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus, it's not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Store it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in your refrigerator, and enjoy this homemade goodness for up to a month. Elevate your breakfasts and add a touch of homemade flavor with this irresistible syrup!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tart apples
1 lb (peeled and sliced)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Mace
1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (bottled)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup
Brown sugar
1 cup
Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Apple cider or water
1 cup
Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon
Cold water
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and slicing the tart apples, then place them in a deep pot.
2
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, lemon juice, and unsalted butter to the pot with the apples.
3
Cover the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
4
Once softened, use an immersion blender or transfer the apple mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.
5
Return the pureed apples to the pot and add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and apple cider (or water).
6
Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
7
Allow the syrup to boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until fully dissolved.
9
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling syrup and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the syrup has slightly thickened.
10
Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before pouring into a clean jar.
11
Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. Enjoy your homemade Spiced Apple Delight Syrup within a month!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Apple Delight Syrup?
Spiced Apple Delight Syrup is a comforting homemade syrup made from tart apples, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and brown sugar, designed to be a flavorful alternative to maple syrup.
What foods pair well with this apple syrup?
This syrup is an excellent accompaniment for breakfast classics like pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of tart apples to provide the best flavor balance against the sweet brown sugar.
How long does it take to cook the apples until they are soft?
The apples should be covered and cooked over medium heat for approximately 10-12 minutes until they become softened.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling and slicing the tart apples before placing them in the pot.
What spices are included in the Spiced Apple Delight Syrup?
The syrup is flavored with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace for a warm, autumnal taste.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the syrup?
Once the apples are softened, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a standard blender to puree until the consistency is smooth.
Can I use water instead of apple cider?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 cup of apple cider or 1 cup of water.
How do I thicken the apple syrup?
Thickening is achieved by mixing cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and then stirring it into the boiling syrup for 2-3 minutes.
How long should the syrup boil?
After adding the sugar and cider, let the mixture boil for 5 minutes before adding the cornstarch thickener.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?
Lemon juice provides a hint of citrus that balances the sweetness and enhances the tartness of the apples.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier for added depth of flavor.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How should I store the homemade syrup?
Store the syrup in a clean, tightly sealed jar or bottle inside the refrigerator.
How long will the syrup stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The syrup can be enjoyed for up to one month when properly refrigerated.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
One cup of brown sugar is used to give the syrup its rich color and deep, caramelized flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, the ingredients list explicitly suggests using 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a deep pot, a blender (immersion or traditional), a small mixing bowl for the slurry, and a storage jar.
Is this syrup served warm?
While it can be served warm immediately after making, it can also be stored and reheated or served cold from the fridge.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe uses a total of 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to achieve the desired thickness.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
Add the pure vanilla extract to the pot after you have pureed the apples and returned them to the heat.
Can I substitute the mace?
If you do not have mace, you can use a bit more nutmeg or a pinch of allspice as a substitute.
Is this syrup vegan?
No, this recipe contains unsalted butter. To make it vegan, you would need to use a plant-based butter substitute.
What do I do if the syrup sticks to the pot while boiling?
To prevent sticking, make sure to stir the mixture occasionally during the 5-minute boiling process.
Should the cornstarch be mixed with hot or cold water?
Cornstarch must be mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water to ensure it dissolves fully and does not clump when added to the hot syrup.
Can I use this syrup as a gift?
Yes, because it is homemade and stores well for a month, it makes a thoughtful gift in a decorative clean jar.
How do I know when the apples are done cooking?
The apples are ready when they are softened enough to be easily pureed into a smooth liquid.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can use white sugar, brown sugar is recommended for the specific 'spiced' and 'comforting' flavor profile of this recipe.
Is the Grand Marnier mandatory?
While it adds a unique citrus-liqueur note, it can be omitted if you prefer an alcohol-free syrup.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch, provided you use a large enough pot and adjust boiling times slightly if needed.