How to Make Blueberry-Citrus Syrup

4 of 10 in Series: The Essentials of Inexpensive Christmas Gifts from Your Kitchen

Homemade blueberry-citrus syrup is an easy, inexpensive Christmas gift for friends and family. Pour the blueberry syrup into a nice jar and pair it with waffle mix, and you’ve given someone the makings of a delicious Christmas brunch. How’s that for merry?

Blissful Blueberry Citrus Syrup

Blueberries should have a deep blue-purple skin with a powdery appearance. Discard any green, shriveled, or smashed berries. Blueberries, as with all berries, like a bath only right before you use them. Store them in the refrigerator until that time. They’ll keep for a week to 10 days.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 cups

2 pints fresh blueberries

12-ounce jar orange marmalade

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of cloves

Wash and pick over the blueberries. Remove any stems or bruised berries.
Combine the blueberries, marmalade, water, lemon zest, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Carefully ladle about 2 cups of the cooked blueberry mixture into a blender. Puree until smooth. Add the puree to the remaining blueberry mixture. Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.