The secret ingredient in many professional layer cakes and a kind of magic to the home baker is called simple syrup and it’s precisely that: a syrup made simply of equal parts water and sugar.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and 3/4 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add optional ...

Any self-respecting gourmand will likely share several interests: eating, cooking and drinking. When two or three of these can be creatively combined, the fun more than doubles. We’re sure you’ve ...

Making simple syrup is ridiculously easy — boil sugar and water — but most cocktail formulas call for only a spoonful. Do I really want to wash a pot just to have a splash of plain liquified sugar? I ...

Making simple syrup is ridiculously easy — boil sugar and water — but most cocktail formulas call for only a spoonful. Do I really want to wash a pot just to have a splash of plain liquefied sugar? I ...

Yield: 2 to 2 1/2 cups (depending on added ingredients) 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup water Flavoring (see options below) 1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium ...