It may be a bit late in the season, but I have just finished a batch of Elderflower Cordial. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's something like a lemon-aid concentrate. With a touch of floral to it. It's really lovely. We just happen to have a huge bush dangling over our fence. My theory is, if it's over the fence, it's free game.
We hoisted DH up on the ladder with the grass clippers and got to it. The night before there was a lot of rain and wind. Little white flowers all over the garden. What was left was the ones that were still good.
Make sure you properly identify the flowers. There are a lot of tiny white flowers in bloom at the moment. The internet shows close up shots of them.
Here is the recipe:
*3 liters of water
*65 grams of Citric Acid
*25-30 Elderflower Blossoms
*900 grams of Sugar
*Zest of 1 large lemon and orange - save the fruit
*Combine water and sugar
*Heat to dissolve and cool until just warm
*Add zest and citric acid
*Cut fruit into chunks and add
*Add blossoms and push down to cover
*Cover and let sit for 24-48 hours.
*Strain through muslin or cheesecloth to remove bugs and bits.
*Pour into sterilized bottles. Since it is a concentrate, dilute 1/4 cordial to 3/4 water or club soda. Adjust the citrus to your taste.
Enjoy, it doesn't have a long shelf life, but can easily be frozen.
4 comments:
Mmmm, yum! Just the right thing for cooling down in the hot US summertime!
I agree...anything on your side of the fence is free game. Growing up, I remember having my fill of raspberries growing through our side of the fence
Hi Holly - you have a great blog, its a treat to read. Would you mind telling me where you did the textile classes back in April - sounds so interesting.
Ooh, I *love* elderflower cordial. Too bad we don't have any elderflower plants near us.
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