Two recipes for elderberry cordial

As humans we can benefit a lot from elderberry culinary delights. In folklore elderberries were used as a protection against influenza, and research has now established that elderberry extract is a clinically proven treatment against flu (including swine and avian flu).

ELDERBERRY CORDIAL (Recipe 1)

Ingredients

• Bucket of elderberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cloves

Method

1. Cut the elderberries just below the stalks.
2. Use a fork to remove the elderberries from the stalks into a bowl.
3. Place the elderberries in a saucepan with enough water to cover them.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Strain the elderberry mixture through a muslin or straining bag, squeezing to make sure you get all the juice out.
6. For each pint of juice you get, add 1lb of granulated sugar and 9 cloves.
7. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes.
8. Allow the elderberry mixture to cool, and then bottle in sterilised glass bottles, making sure that the caps have a plastic seal.
9. Add an equal amount of the cloves to each bottle you make up.

The elderberry cordial syrup will last up to two years if stored in cool, dark conditions.

ELDERBERRY CORDIAL (Recipe 2)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs elderberries (or however many you have!)
• Demerara sugar
• Cinnamon sticks
• Lemon

Method:

In a saucepan, cover the elderberries in water (just enough to cover them).  Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes.   Strain the elderberries, reserving the juice.  Measure the amount of juice

Pour juice back into empty saucepan.  For each 2 cups of juice, add 2 cups of demarara sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, and the juice from 1/2 lemon. Bring mixture to a boil and boil for 15 minutes, stirring regularly (to ensure all the sugar is dissolved).  Remove cinnamon sticks.   Let cool while you prepare the bottles.

I store my cordial in the fridge.  As its for our family use only I don’t do an ‘official’ bottling. I take my bottle(s), and clean them well with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse them with boiling water as a final step.  Ensure the cap is on as tightly as possible. Kept in the fridge my cordial lasts all winter and longer!