ASK PAM

QHow do I make a simple sugar syrup?

Bryan, via email.

A Combine 1 cup caster sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Gently stir over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil. Boil, without stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. To flavour syrup, try adding the following once sugar is dissolved – seeds from a vanilla bean, a long strip of lemon or orange rind, kaffir lime leaves or lemongrass. (With the flat side of a large knife, press on the white part of the peeled stalk to bruise it.) Remove the rind, leaves and lemongrass once syrup is cooled. Store in a clean, screw-top jar in the fridge for up to one month. Great for fruit salads, cocktails, punch and desserts.