Now that the unthinkable has happened, this seems like it should've been obvious from the start, but here goes...

For those who make & use simple syrups to brush onto torted cakes before filling: USE A SILICONE BRUSH!!!

I only use syrups for a couple of my recipes, and I served one of them last night at a family member's birthday dinner, when *GASP!* a pastry brush bristle showed up in my piece of cake. (I CANNOT imagine having to explain that to an upset bride!! Thank goodness it was for family and in my piece!) Never again...I immediately threw out every single one of my regular pastry brushes and replaced them with silicone.