Food & Wine USA - (02)February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 87

ACTIVE 20 MIN; TOTAL 1 HR 25 MIN

MAKES 2^1 / 2 CUPS

3 oz. mixed tender fresh herbs (about
7 loosely packed cups), such as
basil, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, and
lemon verbena

3 cups simple syrup

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over
   high. Arrange a double layer of cheese-
   cloth in a strainer, and place strainer over
   a medium bowl so that strainer rests a

few inches above bottom of bowl; set
aside. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large
bowl with ice water.

2. Add herbs to boiling water; cook, stir-
   ring constantly, 10 to 15 seconds. Using a
   slotted spoon, transfer blanched herbs to
   ice bath. Let cool 5 minutes. Drain, gently
   squeezing out excess liquid, and transfer
   herbs to a blender. Add simple syrup to
   blender. Process on high speed until herb
   mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour
   into prepared strainer, and let stand,
   stirring occasionally without pressing on
   solids, until all liquid has passed through
   strainer, about 1 hour. Discard solids.
   MAKE AHEAD Herb simple syrup may be
   stored in an airtight container in refrigera-
   tor up to 1 week.

CILANTRO

Cilantro can be har-

vested in all stages of

maturity. At its earliest

stage, the plants produce

bunches of its green foli-

age, but don’t forget the

later stages. The fragrant

white flowers are edible,

and the fresh green cori-

ander seeds are great for

pickling.

S O U R C E I T: Johnny’s

Selected Seeds (johnny

seeds.com)

LEMON VERBENA

If properly cared for, this

perennial shrub can live

for many years. When

bruised, lemon verbena

leaves explode with

lemon aroma. Also con-

sider planting French

green sorrel, variegated

lemon thyme, and lemon

mint for similarly bright

additions to dishes.

S O U R C E I T: Find garden-

ready transplants at nurs-

eries or farmers markets.

SIAM QUEEN THAI

BASIL

“This variety is a show-

stopper, with compact

clusters of deep bur-

gundy flowers,” Gasbarra

says. “Its broad leaf is

similar in size to Geno-

vese basil, but its flavor

is more intense, with

licorice and clove notes. I

harvest and separate the

blooms for a garnish.”

S O U R C E I T: Baker

Creek Heirloom Seeds

(rarese eds.com)

Blanching tender herbs before blending them in this versatile syrup preserves their

delicate, fresh flavors. Use this refreshing syrup in cocktails or mocktails, or drizzle it

over fruity desserts.

Herb Simple Sy rup