Spiced Rum Raisin Maple Syrup
Gourmet | January 1994

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

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.

Makes about 2 cups