The maple tree outside my back door is beginning to change colors, signaling that fall is finally upon us!
I absolutely love fall. My husband proposed to me in fall and it also happens to be his favorite time of year. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't counting the days until everything pumpkin flavored finally released in the stores. HOWEVER, my husband, as much as he loves this time of year, is not the biggest fan of pumpkin flavored things. Cue Apple Spice Syrup
Apple Spice Syrup is perfect for those who are not fans of "Pumpkin Spice" everything, but are looking for a festive alternative. As a bonus, making this syrup will make your house smell amazing. Having this simmering on my stovetop made the house smell warm and inviting (and even my 15 year old agreed!)
This recipe is so easy to make and can be a delicious addition to your fall morning pancakes or to make Apple Spice Lattes.
Ingredients
Apples
Apple Juice
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon
Making the Syrup
Stir together apples, apple juice, and sugar in a small saucepan.
Heat the mixture on medium high heat.Once the mixture begins to simmer, add the cinnamon and vanilla.
Reduce heat to medium to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes. (the temperature will depend on your stove top. The goal is to keep the apples at a gentle simmer without letting them burn). Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.
Strain the apples from the syrup and pour the syrup into a small bottle or jar. I like to use an old spice bottle for the syrup.
Recipe Notes:
You do not have to use the apple pieces in this recipe. However, the pectin from the apples thickens the syrup up a little bit more! (If you have experience making jelly, you know that pectin is a key ingredient in getting the jelly to gel properly)
You can use any apples you have on hand. However, Granny Smith will give you a more classic apple pie taste.
If you are planning to make a flavored coffee from this syrup, I highly recommend to avoid using instant coffee, the extra bitterness from the instant coffee will make it difficult to taste the apple (Yes, I do speak from experience here...needless to say, I was disappointed in the coffee).
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that I can dehydrate the apple pieces which I strain out and use them for tea!
Apple Spice Syrup
2 cups chopped apples
½ cup sugar
½ cup apple juice
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Into a medium sized saucepan, combine apples, sugar and apple juice. Bring to a simmer and reduce temperature to medium low.
Add cinnamon and vanilla and Simmer for 20 minutes, Stirring occasionally.
Strain apple chunks out of syrup and allow mixture to cool before transferring to a jar or bottle. Refrigerate to maintain freshness!
I hope you make this syrup and love it as much as I do!
Until next time,
Rebecca
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