How to Make Your Own Vanilla Syrup

I was at my friend's house yesterday and she was craving a vanilla latte, but we didn't manage to go to the cafe that day. So, I suggested that we fiddle around with her Krups Espresso Machine and try to make our own. I have never made my own vanilla syrup before, because I usually buy the Torani flavored syrup--the same syrup they use at cafes. She didn't have any vanilla syrup, so I thought I'd try to make my own on the spot. And...what do ya know? Presto! It worked! (Sometimes out of need and desperation, some magical things can happen in the kitchen!)

Here's how to make your own vanilla syrup:

I just started by making a simple syrup by combining 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white sugar (I just eyeballed the measurements) and bringing that to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolved. Then, when the sugar was dissolved, I added about a 1/2 teaspoon of Trader Joe's Bourbon Vanilla Extract (that's what she had on hand, but you can use any vanilla you want). You can start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste it to see if you want a stronger vanilla flavor. Remember, though, that this is a concentrated syrup that's added to espresso or seltzer water (to make an Italian soda) to make it sweeter--a little goes a long way! You can save the remaining syrup in a jar or bottle to use for later.

Now that I know how to make my own vanilla flavored syrup, I don't have to rely on the store-bought variety to satiate a random craving for a vanilla latte!