Homemade Simple "Karo" syrup
I absolutely love the change of the seasons, when temperature's finally fall into the "livable" range. Anyone who lives in the South / Southeast knows what a blessing it is to see Sept / October flip over on the calendar. Our idea of "livable" is when it finally is only 80 during the day instead of 110+. It is the time of year I look forward to so I can start my baking again! It is the time of year I take note of what I have on hand in my pantry. Some things like Karo syrup & molasses have a long shelf life, but once I run out I usually just make do without them until the next baking season. I took a proactive step this week and decided that I just needed to learn how to make the syrup from scratch. How hard could it be? Actually making this simple syrup was quite easy, 3 Ingredients and about 5 minutes - Another bonus find :)
Here is what you will need
4 Cups Sugar (2 parts)
2 Cups Water (1 part)
2 Tsp Vanilla flavoring (real) or 1-2 Tbs. Molasses
Candy Thermometer
A re-purposed glass container or Jar (I used a clean and sterilized wine bottle with cork, and it looks so pretty shining through the clear glass!)
First decide which syrup you want, the light or the dark? If you utilize the light syrup use vanilla, the dark use the molasses.
For my batch I chose to make the light syrup. The batch made enough to fill a small wine bottle.
Place the sugar, water and vanilla in a sauce pan put on about medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Watch it closely, once it starts to boil DO NOT STIR anymore! This is important as continuing to stir will crystallize it again. You are going to allow it to boil until it reaches the "soft ball" candy stage which will be about 235. You will know that it is reaching this stage because it will appear to be getting thicker. When you dip your spoon into the syrup and let it run off it will start to thread off of the spoon. Another test you can do is to have a bowl of Ice water drop a spoon full into the water, if it forms a ball it is at the soft ball candy stage. Turn off your burner and remove it from the heat. Allow to cool and then use a funnel to pour it into your bottle / jar. Now I am ready to make some pecan pie! Use it for any of your favorite recipes that you would normally use your "Karo" syrup. Since most of us always have sugar on hand you will never have to run out to the store to pick up Karo syrup again, and that my friends is a change we can all live with. Enjoy!
Here is what you will need
4 Cups Sugar (2 parts)
2 Cups Water (1 part)
2 Tsp Vanilla flavoring (real) or 1-2 Tbs. Molasses
Candy Thermometer
A re-purposed glass container or Jar (I used a clean and sterilized wine bottle with cork, and it looks so pretty shining through the clear glass!)
First decide which syrup you want, the light or the dark? If you utilize the light syrup use vanilla, the dark use the molasses.
For my batch I chose to make the light syrup. The batch made enough to fill a small wine bottle.
Place the sugar, water and vanilla in a sauce pan put on about medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Watch it closely, once it starts to boil DO NOT STIR anymore! This is important as continuing to stir will crystallize it again. You are going to allow it to boil until it reaches the "soft ball" candy stage which will be about 235. You will know that it is reaching this stage because it will appear to be getting thicker. When you dip your spoon into the syrup and let it run off it will start to thread off of the spoon. Another test you can do is to have a bowl of Ice water drop a spoon full into the water, if it forms a ball it is at the soft ball candy stage. Turn off your burner and remove it from the heat. Allow to cool and then use a funnel to pour it into your bottle / jar. Now I am ready to make some pecan pie! Use it for any of your favorite recipes that you would normally use your "Karo" syrup. Since most of us always have sugar on hand you will never have to run out to the store to pick up Karo syrup again, and that my friends is a change we can all live with. Enjoy!
Comments
Post a Comment