Blueberry Syrup

Run through with plump berries, this compote-meets-syrup mix makes any meal feel as leisurely as weekend brunch. A pair of natural sweeteners takes the place of refined sugar: Fresh berries cook down with only lemon juice to concentrate their natural summery sweetness, then earthy maple syrup adds depth. You can use the larger amount of syrup for a pancake pourable blend, or the smaller quantity for a spoonable topping.

Ingredients

• 2

  cups blueberries

• 1

  tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• ⅓ to ½

  cup pure maple syrup

Preparation

1. Combine 1 cup blueberries and the lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until some berries begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until about half the berries have burst and the liquid has thickened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 1/3 cup syrup for a compote consistency and 1/2 cup for a thinner sauce. Add the remaining 1 cup blueberries, raise the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and some whole berries remain, about 5 minutes. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
3. Reheat until warm to spoon over pancakes, waffles, French toast, scones, oatmeal or other hot breakfast treats, or grilled pork, chicken or steak. Serve cold over yogurt, ice cream, sorbet, pudding, custard, cheesecake or ricotta toast.