Cordials

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthways
• 250g strawberries, washed, hulled
• Chilled sparkling white wine, to serve

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla bean. Increase heat to medium and bring to the boil. Cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes or until the syrup thickens slightly. Transfer to a jug and set aside for 10 minutes to cool. Meanwhile place the strawberries in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Remove the vanilla pod from the syrup. Stir the strawberry puree into the syrup. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a jug and discard the seeds. Pour the syrup into a clean sealable bottle.
To serve, pour 1 1/2 tablespoons cordial into each serving glass. Slowly top with the sparkling wine and serve immediately.