Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Makes about 2 cups.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons dark rum
  • 1 1/4 cups pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
  • 4 whole cloves
  • freshly grated nutmeg to taste

    DIRECTIONS

    In a small bowl combine raisins with rum and let stand 15 minutes. In a small heavy saucepan combine maple syrup, sugar, water, spices, and a pinch of salt and simmer, covered, and stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Add raisin mixture and simmer, covered, 2 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick and cloves.

    Serve syrup warm. The syrup keeps, covered and chilled, 1 week.