Berries with Lemon Mint Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 strips lemon zest 
• 1.5 quarts poached berries mixed such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and quartered strawberries
• 0.8 cup sugar 
• 1.5 cups water 

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, mint leaves and stems or dried mint, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 20 minutes. If using fresh mint, remove it and the lemon zest with a slotted spoon and discard. If using dried mint, strain the syrup.
3. Bring the syrup back to a simmer.
4. Remove from the heat and add the berries. Stir gently and then pour into a bowl.
5. Let cool to room temperature.
6. Serve the berries and syrup in bowls topped with the fresh mint sprigs, if using.