Ginger Simple Syrup -- so very versatile!

I love to keep this simple syrup on hand in the summertime. There are so many uses for it, from beverages, to marinades, to desserts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

• 1 cup peeled and sliced fresh ginger root. (sliced about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick)
• 2 cups water.
• 2 cups white sugar.

  Put all 3 ingredients in a nonreactive pan and bring to boil on stove top, gently stirring. Once at a boil, reduce heat and let simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour thru a strainer (save the sliced ginger) into a plastic or glass container -- you will have about 3 cups of simple syrup. Cover and store in the refrigerator up to one month.

  Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Place a lightly oiled piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Spread the sliced ginger on it in a single layer. Place in oven for six hours and when the time is up, you will have some very strong and very tasty candied ginger.

  So, what to do with the syrup? For beverages, add a tbsp or two to a glass of club soda with a slice of lime for homemade ginger ale. Add a little syrup to your homemade lemonade to give it a kick. If you want something stronger, it makes great ginger daiquiris and margaritas.

  Drizzle a little syrup over your fresh-cut fruit salad to add some zest. As a marinade or sauce, mix it with pineapple juice and soy sauce to make an easy and super teriyaki. When you get to dessert, what could be better than homemade ginger-coconut ice cream? Use your imagination and enjoy!

  Daiquiri: 1/3 cup rum. 1/3 cup either lemon or lime juice (if you're not using fresh juice, use a good bottled organic juice such as Santa Cruz). 2 tbsp ginger syrup. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake or swirl til cold, and pout into a glass.

  Teriyaki Sauce: 1/4 cup pineapple juice. 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce. 1/4 cup ginger syrup. 2 tsp chili paste, such as Sambal Oelek (the chili paste is optional, but I find a little spiciness balances the sweetness of the pineapple juice and simple syrup). Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and gently whisk while bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Whether you're grilling or roasting chicken, pork, beef, fish, or vegetables use this as a marinade, then brush it on as a glaze.

  If you would like recipes for other items mentioned, drop me a note and I will send them to you. As always, I ask you to please check out what my advertisers are offering. Thanks!