* Fruity Breakfast Bowl *

INGREDIENTS:

* 1/4 c water

* 1/4 c granulated sugar

* 8 c fresh berries ; a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract OR 1/2 of a vanilla bean, split open & seeds scraped

INSTRUCTIONS:

* IF USING VANILLA BEAN FOR THE SYRUP:

Place sugar, water, and vanilla bean seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to the simmer point {there will be small bubbles beginning to form}; stir until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat a let cool slightly; then chill completely in the refrigerator.

* IF USING VANILLA EXTRACT FOR THE SYRUP:

Place sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture just to the simmer point {there will be small bubbles beginning to form}; stir until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat a let cool slightly; then chill completely in the refrigerator.

* Rinse berries. Hull strawberries and cut larger ones into 2 or 3 slices. Place berries in a bowl.

* Just before serving, drizzle berries with vanilla simple syrup and toss gently to coat. You may not need to use all of the syrup