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Apple Syrup

Yes, I have to admit I'm already thinking about the holidays. The weather changed overnight in the Midwest and I think winter is on the way. And I love, love, love getting all of my little gift lists together! Personally, when someone gives me a gift that is homemade, homegrown, or hand-crafted, I am thrilled! It's one of my favorite things! And let's face it, some people just seem to have everything!
Here are a couple of gift ideas for you. If you haven't tried our Simply Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola, the time is now! This is the best granola ever! So get your jars and ribbons ready for granola, a jar of our Simply Pancake Mix, and top it off with a jar of apple cider syrup. Who wouldn't love that?
In case you don't know this, my sister is a genius! She found an awesome recipe for Apple Cider Syrup at foodinjars.com which I was thrilled with because I didn't have to go shopping for apple syrup, one of my new favorite things!
Ingredients:
1 gallon apple cider
3 cinnamon sticks
2 c white sugar
Pour apple cider and cinnamon sticks in a large kettle or pan. Boil the apple cider until it reduces down to about half, it took mine about an hour or so. Remove the cinnamon sticks and add the sugar. Start the boiling process again until your cider reaches 218F. This took another 35 minutes for mine but it can depend on your stove heat and also the type of kettle you are using.
After it reached the 218F temperature, I ladled it into my prepared half pint canning jars. Put the lids and rings on and gave them a hot water bath for 10 minutes in the canner. This syrup is delicious - it tastes like apples with a hint of cinnamon! My sister said she stirs in a small amount of cornstarch to her jar prior to serving if you like your syrup thicker. I prefer mine on the thin side.
Now I know for some of our very observant followers, the apple cider syrup looks like the apple cider jelly, so make sure you label your jars! I haven't gotten to that part yet - guess I better find some free labels somewhere! Enjoy! Total cost was $5.22 for 2 pint jars and 5 half-pint jars! I love that!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

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