(Used in this project: Circle Labels and Small Diamond Tags in Color Wash style.)
I always keep a vanilla bean in my sugar jar. I have yet to find a recipe or need for plain old sugar that doesn’t get a little lift from a vanilla bean. This got me thinking, “hmmm, I wonder what other yummy flavors you could add to sugar?”. A search of the handy dandy internet and I found a plethora of recipe ideas. Rosemary sugar? I’ve read it’s wonderful in apple pie. Cardamom sugar? Delicious on strawberries apparently. It seems the possibilities are endless.
For my infused sugar creations, I chose flavors that I knew I would get good use out of. I kicked up my regular old vanilla bean sugar with a cinnamon stick and some star anise. This is perfect for baking or adding to a latte.
For a French vibe, I made this lavender infused sugar which can also be added to baking but is pretty crazy good when candied on top of a vanilla bean crème brûlée. If you drink lots of herbal tea with sugar, I bet you would like this alongside a steaming cup of chamomile before bed.
My third recipe was citrus-infused with lemon, lime, and orange rind. I thought of adding an herb here like basil or rosemary, but I decided that I would use this sugar most in the morning: topping fresh-baked lemon blueberry scones, sprinkling on a half grapefruit, or to brighten up a Rooibos tea. It seemed that while the herbs would go well with all of those foods, I played it safe this time. Infused sugars are so darn easy to make that I just may whip up another batch with some herbs to give it a try.
To make your own infused sugar simply add your herbs, spices, flowers, or fruit to a mason jar, cover with sugar, and shake it up. Lid the jar and set it aside in a cool dark place for a few weeks before checking to see if it has the flavor concentration you like. When you are happy with it strain out the sugar, discard the herbs etc., and re-seal the sugar in the jar.
These would make a wonderful gift as well, so make a few extra to have on hand for hostess and thank you gifts.
Used In This Project:
- Circle Labels • I chose the “Color Wash” style in Sunshine, Coral and Lilac.
- Diamond Tags • I chose the “Color Wash” style in Sunshine, Coral and Lilac.
More homemade gift ideas from Stephanie:
Oatmeal Lavender Tub Tea Caramel in a Can Homemade Bath Fizzies Herb Infused Vinegars
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Stephanie Rose is a gardener who lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where she has grown over 100 edibles, 400 perennials, and countless other plants in her small urban yard; a hobby that continues to grow with each season. Stephanie writes DIY garden projects, yummy recipes and crafty goodness at Garden Therapy where she hopes you will find something to inspire you to get outside for a little, well, garden therapy.
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