Holiday Spice Syrup

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 quart water
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 5 star anise pods
4. 5 allspice berries
5. Three 3-inch cinnamon sticks
6. 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped

1. Combine the water, sugar, star anise pods, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean and seeds in a large saucepan and simmer over moderately low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and chill.