Simple syrup

Traditionally, simple syrup, or Atayr in arabic, is a common feature in middle eastern desserts. The dessert is usually made quite plain, lacking sugar, and the flavored syrup is poured over. I actually use this feature with slight variations to the original recipe in non-arabic recipes, like sauces for cakes dessert-style dips, and others. Nonetheless, you'll see me linking to this recipe quite frequently in the future.


SIMPLE SYRUP

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups water (375ml) 
• 2 cups sugar 
• 1 TB orange blossom water 
• 1 TB lemon juice 

Directions

1. Mix 2 cups of sugar with 1.5 cups of water, place in a pot on medium heat stirring occasionally. 
2. Once it starts to boil add 1 TBSP of the lemon juice and reduce to low heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Once thickened, turn it off and mix in the Orange Blossom water and let it cool down. 

Note that this recipe can be made in much larger quantities and refrigerated for use in other desserts, or rewarmed with other spices to impart different flavors to the syrup.

I also intend to try bits of this recipe using some sucralose (splenda) and perhaps even Stevia. Stevia makes me wary because nearly half the population would sense a bitter aftertaste, thus making me hesitate before offering such a treat to guests with unknown tastebud sensitivity.