Yields 2 cups
In lieu of maple syrup we make our own sweet honey syrup to serve with waffles and pancakes. Feel free to experiment: Using different types of honey will alter the flavors and bring out the varied aromas of the bees’ harvest. Honey Syrup can be stored for up to a month, refrigerated, in an airtight container.
1 orange, or 2 pieces of orange zest
1 cup honey of your choice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, or ½ fresh vanilla bean
Using a peeler, hold the orange securely and peel the zest from top to bottom. Combine all the ingredients with ¾ cup water in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir continually until the syrup just comes to a boil, turn off the heat, and let the syrup cool. You can discard the orange peel (and vanilla bean, if you used one) once the mixture is cooled.