3 cups brown sugar (one 1-pound box)
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 or 2 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
Zest of one orange or one lemon
1 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Mix brown sugar and water together. Add whole spices and citrus zest. Cover and let steep for several hours. Taste to see if spicy enough and, if so, strain into a container with a cover. Stir in maple and almond extracts. Store in the refrigerator.

Makes about 2 cups.