I'm just wondering if I am the only one that does this?

I make maple-flavored syrup when money is tight or when we run out of the real stuff. I make chocolate syrup and carob syrup for hot beverages, shakes, and ice "cream" topping. I make vanilla syrup and we add sparkling water when we want soda for a special treat. I make simple syrup in the summer to make lemonade, or to combine with fresh berries for a berry syrup.

Of course, it isn't my crunchy side that makes syrup, it's the frugal side. It does let me control the ingredients so I can use organic cocoa, organic sugar, gluten free flavorings, etc.

That's a great idea. I don't make syrup or buy it...but after hearing what you use it for I think I might make some.

I have dutch processed cocoa powder and carob powder, use maple syrup for sweetening and flavoring, and use vanilla powder for flavoring. I haven't had to need syrup per se...but I like the idea of say, vanilla syrup and sparkling water for a treat! We don't even do that. LOL. We are pretty boring!

I've been known to make chocolate syrup (for us, it's to get organic, preservative free), but not often since the kids get cavities really easily. I prefer that they get sugar in their drinks very infrequently.

But it surely does taste good, huh?

I've stirred the pot once for homemade maple syrup....about 5 years ago. Does that count? LOL!

I wouldn't even know where or how to begin making my own syrup. Boy it sure does sound good tho. yum.

I have made my own chocolate syrup and simple syrup. I also make a fruit topping for pancakes sometimes. I usually just cook doen some fruit with a little honey. It is very good.

Can you post your recipe for vanilla syrup? The vanilla syrup with sparkling water sounds like a nice treat.

DH made simple syrup yesterday and DD juiced lemons. It was a nice lemonade. :) Thanks for the inspiration.

Simple Syrup is just equal parts of sugar and water boiled together until the sugar is dissolved. Some people use less sugar.

For vanilla syrup I add gluten free vanilla extract after the syrup has cooled a bit. I probably do about 1 C. sugar, 1 C. water, and 1 T. vanilla. I don't make a lot of this syrup of even keep it on hand, because we will use it if it's there and having soda is a special treat for us.

That's actually true of all of the syrups I make; I make them when there is a need. Right now I've been making chocolate syrup because hot cocoa made with rice milk is one of the beverages my bladder can tolerate right now (I can't drink tea, decaf tea, or even most herbs).

Thanks for the vanilla syrup recipe! That is easy enough.

my kids love chocolate milk... i may have to try to make this for them!!