Mixed Berries With Lemon Verbena Syrup
serves 2-4
The aroma of fresh lemon verbena does wonders for this sweet and tart fruit dish. If you can't find it, you can substitute lemon zest or kaffir lime leaves. The flavored berries are delicious on their own, or spooned over ice cream or oatmeal.
4 cups mixed berries (such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries)
1 cup sugar
10 sprigs of fresh lemon verbena
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
prep: 20 minutes
total: 45 minutes
large bowl
medium saucepan with cover
sieve
1. Put the fruit in a large bowl and gently toss it with 1/2 cup of the sugar. Set it aside for 20 minutes.
2. Combine the lemon verbena, water and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat, cover and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Stir the lemon juice into the syrup and pour through a sieve over the fruit. Toss the fruit in the syrup, and set it aside to macerate for 20 minutes.
