Homemade Soda Pop

Of course we all know that soda pop is one of the worst things for our health. Thus said, I would like to share a recipe for you for homemade soda. The recipe includes real ingredients from natural sources, so maybe without the additives and high fructose cornsyrup it might be a bit better for you. I'm not sure where I first got this recipe. It's one that I scribbled on a piece of notebook paper and saved because it was such an unusual recipe. Here it is:


Homemade Soda


2 cups organic cane sugar (Florida Crystals)
1/4 cup water


Melt the sugar and water in a warm saucepan until it carmalizes. Stir constantly during this process. The temperature should rise to about 280 degrees F. and the sugar should turn to a dark amber.


Remove from heat. Slowly add:


2 cups of water


Place mixture back on the heat. Add the:
juice of one lemon (may use other fruit juices as desired)


Then add the:
scrapings of one vanilla bean


Bring mixture to a boil, then allow mixture to steep for one hour. Do not strain. Fill syrup into jars and cork. This makes the flavored syrup for soda. When ready to prepare soda:


Fill a glass with ice. Place 1/4 cup of the syrup you have made into the glass of ice. Add plain seltzer water and give a quick stir.


Add a straw and enjoy!