Buttermilk Syrup

At first glance, the thought of buttermilk syrup probably seems a little strange--and like one of those things that you're fine with other people enjoying, but just can't bring yourself to try. I thought the same thing until a few weeks ago. As I was helping with dinner at my parents' house on Sunday, I happened to see a Christmas labeled bottle with the words, "Homemade Buttermilk Syrup, Please refrigerate," signed by my parents' neighbors. Knowing that my parents like to drink straight buttermilk, (YUCK!), I asked if they thought it was any good. They responded with rave reviews and my somewhat picky sisters agreed. So, being a generally adventurous person when it comes to food, I put it at the top of my "Must Try" list.

I didn't have to wait too long until the perfect moment came along...Saturday night and I REALLY wanted french toast. Since I had no idea what buttermilk syrup tasted like, I figured I may as well just go for it. Let me tell you--I honestly wonder why I haven't known about this stuff sooner! It's AMAZING! It's the kind of syrup that you want to pour on everything from pancakes and waffles to ice cream and apples. I highly recommend it to you. And, just in case you're feeling adventurous, but don't want to search for a Buttermilk Syrup recipe, here it is:

Buttermilk Syrup
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbls. corn syrup
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla extract
In a saucepan, stir together sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda. Bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes. (Make sure to use a large saucepan, as the mixture bubbles up quite a bit.) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.