Almond Syrup

Photo: flickr user jessicafm

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups -Water

20 ounces Almonds, ground

6 cups Sugar, up to 7 cups

3 tablespoons Bitter almond extract

2 Oranges, juice of

2 tablespoons Almond syrup

2 tablespoons Yogurt

6 ounces -Cold water, ¾ c

Preparation

To serve, put a few tablespoons in a glass and add cold or sparkling water and ice.

Bring water to a boil; add almonds and return to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool thoroughly. Squeeze the ground almonds in several layers of rinsed cheesecloth.

Pour almond extract into a saucepan; add sugar, bitter almond extract, and orange juice. Stir well and bring to a boil; cook to a thick syrup consistency. Let cool completely. If syrup if not thick enough, boil again for 5 minutes.

Pour into sterile bottles, seal and refrigerate. Can be used immediately Serve with ice water or with club soda.

FOR 1 SERVING ALMOND COOLER:Combine a2 tb almond syrup, 2 tb yogurt and 6 oz (3/4 cup) cold water.

MAKES: 1 QUARTViviane Bicheck Miner