Thai Basil Simple Syrup

Prep Time: 10 minutes Yield: 1 cup

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

dash salt

12 fresh Thai basil leaves, torn into rough pieces

1 teaspoon lime zest

juice from one half a lime

Place water, sugar and dash of salt in small heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Let mixture boil for 2-3 minutes, then add basil, lime zest and lime juice. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Strain syrup to remove herbs, cool, and store in glass container in the refrigerator. The syrup will stay fresh for one month.

I love to go to dollar stores and buy the glass bottles (with the spigots!!) to store some of my syrups in....easy, looks great, and inexpensive.