When you fail too many times at trying new recipes, make a cocktail instead!

I have so many ideas of foods or dishes I want to try my hand at making. I've been cooking and baking long enough that I can usually translate my simpler ideas to actual food with minimal tweaking on the first or second try. They aren't always exactly what I intended, but they are usually at least edible.  Lately though, it seems like I've attempted one too many projects that just didn't come together. A few things I knew would need more than one try, others were so simple it was confounding that I couldn't make them work. In any case, I'm tired of throwing food away, so it's the perfect opportunity to shift focus to a drink recipe.

You might say it's thyme.

In fact, it's plum thyme for a gin cocktail!

Sorry.

Sometimes I make puns.

This syrup is a great example of trying something simple that came together on the first try. I made the syrup and served it in cocktails for a book club brunch I hosted a few weeks ago. I don't think I have a future in mixology or anything but the reviews were pretty good!

The syrup is delicious mixed with just some sparkling water or club soda, and you can even add some lemon juice to that combo for a less traditional lemonade. But if you really want to up your game, add a little gin or vodka!

It can make you forget all about those unrealized dreams attracting fruit flies in your trash.

Plum & Thyme Syrup

makes about 2 cups. Adapted from the Kitchn.

1 1/2 lbs red plums (or any kind you like)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 sprigs of fresh thyme

1. Cut plums into wedges and chop into large chunks. Add to a large saucepan with the water and sugar over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the fruit has begun to break down.
2. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a large bowl or a glass measuring cup, then discard the fruit or reserve for another purpose (see note). Return the syrup to the pot and bring back to a boil. Add in the thyme sprigs, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup begins to thicken and is slightly reduced. Take off of the heat and remove the thyme sprigs. Let cool then store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

• The leftover fruit is excellent on pancakes or waffles, or on top of ice cream or yogurt.

Plum, Thyme, and Gin Cocktail

2 ounces plum & thyme syrup (or adjust to preference)
2 ounces gin (or adjust to preference)
club soda
4 frozen plum wedges (optional)
2 sprigs of thyme

1. In a glass, mix together syrup and gin, and fill glass with ice and plum wedges, if using. Stir the ice around to mix the syrup and gin together. Top with club soda and garnish with the thyme.