Homemade Strawberry and Vanilla Syrups

I see homemade chocolate syrup recipes all the time on Pinterest or on Facebook, but I have never seen any for vanilla or strawberry.  What are they...chopped liver? 

If you're like me, chocolate is not exactly your "go to" flavor.  I rarely even use anything that's strawberry flavored because it's usually artificially flavored and it never really tastes like strawberry.  However, this recipe uses real strawberries and no strawberry extracts!  YUM!! 

So here we go...

First, I made the vanilla syrup.  Here's what you need:

1 3/4c water
1 1/2c sugar
1/4c brown sugar
1 1/2T vanilla paste

Combine all, except vanilla paste, in a medium saucepan and cook on medium heat.  When it starts to boil, start your clock.  Boil for 10-15 minutes and then remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla bean paste.  Let it cool some and then put it in whatever container you're gonna use.  (I put mine in a fancy syrup thing thinking I had 2, but sadly, 1 was lost.  Very sad day.)  Use it like you would the name brand syrups that you used to buy.  ;)

Next up: Strawberry Syrup

Here's what ya need:

1c sliced, frozen strawberries
1/2c sugar
1/2c water
1/4t pure vanilla extract

Add water, strawberries and sugar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  When it starts to boil, start your timer again and boil for 10-12 minutes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Let it cool slightly and strain into whatever container you're going to use.  You can use the strawberries later for yogurt or ice cream or whatever you want just so they don't go to waste.

My notes:

*Vanilla bean paste: not to be confused with vanilla beans or vanilla extract.  It's kind of a combo of the two.  It's like a thick extract with vanilla bean specks in it.  It is oh so good!!

*Let both syrups come to room temperature before you use them.  They should be good and thickened up by then.

Enjoy!!