The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[smartiegrrl]

There is lots of talk about the syrup on these threads and I wonder if you know how easy it is to make your own calorie-free syrup? I was just thinking about it when 24K mentioned sambucca (anise) syrup.

So here is the basic recipe:

1 cup syrup:
1 cup water
1/2 tbsp extract
1 tbsp liquid splenda, or 1 cup granular Splenda
1/4 -1/2 tsp xanthan gum


Bring water, extract and sweetener to a boil and then remove from heat. Add xanthan gum 1/4 tsp at a time (I like to use a wisk) and mix well. It will thicken upon standing. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and flvoring to your taste. I usually add a bit more extract. Like a Tablespoon.

If you re-use your old bottles, be sure to wash and sterilize them if you can before pouring in the new syrup. There is no preservative in it so you need to keep it in the fridge.

I make my own vanilla and almond syrup all the time. I'll have to find some anise extract.

[24KaratGold]

I didn't know this, and thanks for giving us the info!

What is xanthan gum, and where do you get it?`

[smartiegrrl]

You can get it at any grocery store these days. Its by the baking stuff. Its a powder.

[mombarnes]

Thank you for the recipe!
Question - you mention that there is no preservative & needs to be refrigerated. Since nothing in the mixture needs refrigeration on its own, does it really need to be refrigerated? Or is that just for keeping the flavors intact.
I ask because I have to carry my syrups with me because I travel all the time on my job. I have to find "portable" things.
THANKS again.

[smartiegrrl]

Well - I've never left it out for months. I suppose if you consume it fairly quickly, like say within a few weeks, it probably wouldn't matter. I doubt you can get botulism from it, but it might mold and/or lose flavor. I keep it in the fridge as a precaution.


1 cup of syrup is only 16 Tablespoons and I would breeze through that in a few days anyways.

[Nancy]

smartiegrrl ~

Thank you for the wonderful tip - you are living up to your name! Smart, and thinny!