Safer Syrup

Have you heard about High Fructose Corn Syrup by now?

We shouldn't live our lives being afraid of everything, but there ARE some things we should take seriously.  HFCS is not good for you (effects the liver, elevates cholesterol levels, and makes us fat), yet is in SO many things at the grocery store.  I've started making our own jam on a regular basis in an effort to start feeding my family less HFCS.

*Note:  High Fructose Corn Syrup is not the same as Corn Syrup you buy in the bottle.

Read a quick summary about High Fructose Corn Syrup HERE.

Sometimes I think it's just better to get back to basics with nutrition:

A little REAL Sugar instead of Splenda

A little REAL Butter instead of Margarine

"Everything in MODERATION!"

Julia Child followed this food philosophy, and she lived an active 92 years.

Besides that, doesn't is just make sense?

Pancake and waffle syrup is mostly made of HFCS.

I thought I would pass along some tasty recipes for Syrup you can make and store yourself (in the fridge) at home....without High Fructose Corn Syrup!

*        *        *

SIMPLE MAPLE SYRUP

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup WHITE SUGAR

1 Cup BROWN SUGAR

1 Cup boiling WATER

1/2 tsp MAPLE FLAVORED EXTRACT

1/2 tsp BUTTER FLAVORING

DIRECTIONS:

1.)  In a saucepan, combine sugars and water.

2.) Cook and stir until sugars are dissolved.

3.) Remove from heat, and stir in flavorings.  Serve warm.

*        *        *

BUTTERMILK SYRUP

(Sooo good!  Use on everything from breads and ice cream to fruit!)

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 Cups WHITE SUGAR

3/4 Cup BUTTERMILK

1/2 Cup BUTTER

2 tsp real VANILLA EXTRACT

1 tsp BAKING SODA

DIRECTIONS:

1.) In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil (except vanilla extract).

2.) Allow to boil gently for at least five minutes, stirring constantly.

3.) Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla.

*Can be stored for a week in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave.

*        *        *

FRESH PEACH SYRUP

(Can be used as a pancake syrup, or dessert topping)

INGREDIENTS:

5 FRESH PEACHES, sliced

1/3 Cup white SUGAR

1 dash CINNAMON

1 tsp BUTTER

1 Cup WATER

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Put all ingredients in a medium saucepan

2.) Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken.

(Photo: www.pro.corbis.com)