Skip to main content

Northwest Berry Syrup

A far cry from anything in a bottle, this intensely flavored syrup tastes great over waffles, pancakes, and even ice cream. You can use one type of berry or a combination of berries.

Cooks' Note

To thicken the syrup, arrowroot is a better choice than cornstarch because arrowroot doesn't get chalky and has no distinguishing flavor. As with cornstarch, arrowroot should be dissolved in a cold liquid before whisking into a hot liquid. This mixture is called a slurry. Cornstarch breaks down if heated for an extended period but arrowroot doesn't, so sauces thickened with arrowroot reheat better and can be kept warm.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and hulled strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons arrowroot (see Note)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the berries, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

    Step 2

    In a small bowl, stir together the arrowroot with 1 tablespoon water. Add the arrowroot mixture to the berries and stir. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Use a whisk to break up the berries, but do not crush them.

    Step 3

    Remove the pan from the heat, cool the syrup for 1 to 2 minutes, and serve.

  2. Make Ahead

    Step 4

    The syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat over low heat until warm.

Pure Flavor
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.