BERRY SALAD WITH VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP

Yield: 8-10 Servings

6 to 8 c. fresh berries ~ a mix of strawberries, blueberries, blackberriesand raspberries
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, paste or 1/2 of a vanilla bean, split open & seeds scraped

INSTRUCTIONS:

IF USING VANILLA EXTRACT or PASTE

Place sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture just to the simmer point {there will be small bubbles beginning to form}; stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract or paste. Chill completely in the refrigerator.

IF USING VANILLA BEAN FOR THE SYRUP

Place sugar, water, and vanilla bean seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to the simmer point {there will be small bubbles beginning to form}; stir until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat a let cool slightly; then chill completely in the refrigerator.

Rinse berries. 

Just before serving, drizzle berries with vanilla simple syrup and toss gently to coat. You may not need to use all of the syrup.