Venture away from the usual maple syrup with this easy homemade blueberry syrup.

• Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in boiling water. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil, stirring constantly.

• Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Fold in blueberries and lemon juice.

• Serve warm or chilled.

Fruit … Naturally

Fruit is naturally sweet. When you're making syrups and sauces, try to use fresh fruit whenever possible. Frozen unsweetened fruit or canned fruit packed in its own juice are good runners-up. All of these options help reduce the intake of both sugar and calories.