Syrups and Dessert Sauces: Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a solution of equal weights of sugar and water. Combine equal weights of water and granulated sugar in a saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar. Cool the syrup.

Dessert syrup is a flavored simple syrup used to moisten and flavor some cakes. (Many chefs use 2 or 3 parts water to 1 part sugar for a less sweet syrup.) Flavorings may be extracts, such as vanilla, or liquors, such as rum or kirsch. Add flavorings after the syrup has cooled because flavor may be lost if they are added to hot syrup. Syrups may also be flavored by boiling them with lemon or orange rind.