Spiced Simple Syrup

• 3 tablespoons chopped cinnamon sticks
• 1 garlic clove, whole
• 2 tablespoons star anise
• 1½ tablespoons allspice, ground
• 2 tablespoons white peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons ginger, ground
• 1 cup honey
• 2 cups water
• 1 large coffee filter
• 6 inches cooking twine

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Toast the chopped cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, white pepper corns and ginger in the oven for 5 minutes. Transfer spices to a large coffee filter, form into a bag and tie it closed with the cooking twine.

Combine the spice bag, honey and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow the spice bag to steep for 10 minutes before discarding it and cooling the syrup.