Maple Cream Soda

1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
1 2-inch wide slice of lemon rind (not including the white pith)
1 teaspoon vanilla paste

Add the maple syrup, water, vanilla bean and seeds, lemon rind, and vanilla paste to a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover, and let sit until the syrup cools to room temperature.  To store, remove the lemon rind and pour into a lidded jar (including the vanilla bean).  Refrigerate.  Best if kept overnight before using, for more intense, blended flavor.

To make the soda, add 2-3 tablespoons maple-vanilla syrup to an 8 ounce glass, then add seltzer.  Also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

From Food52.