Mint Syrup

Ingredients:

• 8 c Mint leaves, fresh- chopped
• 2 1/2 c -Boiling water
• 8 c Sugar
• 3 c -Water
• Green food colouring
• 3 tb Mint essential oil
• -or mint extract

Preparation:

• Place chopped mint leaves in a crock or deep bowl, add boiling water.
• Place a flat dish over the leaves and weight it down.
• Allow to stand overnight.
• Bring sugar and 3 cups water to a boil and cook 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from the mint leaves, add mint juice to the syrup, bring to a boil, cook 5 minutes and remove from heat.
• Discard leaves.
• Add green food color to make the syrup a bright green.
• Add the mint oil and stir.
• Pour into sterile bottles.
• Refrigerate.
• Syrup is ready to use.