Our fields and paths are studded at the moment with creamy white elderflower bushes. In our gardens we consider elder as a nuisance, but out and about it is pretty and fragrant. I once made elderflower wine, but it wasn't a total success: it fermented in the wine cellar and all the bottles exploded!
This year I shall be making elderflower cordial. We love this diluted in water as a refreshing summer afternoon drink. It's surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients for elderflower syrup
100 elderflower heads - very well washed!
5 kg sugar
8 lemons (cut in wedges or rounds)
8 limes (cut in wedges)
5 l boiling water
150 g citric acid
5 kg sugar
8 lemons (cut in wedges or rounds)
8 limes (cut in wedges)
5 l boiling water
150 g citric acid
Place the elderflower heads, lemons and limes and sugar into a large earthenware bowl, cover with boiling water. Leave to cool, then cover loosely and let infuse for 3 days.
On the third day, remove the elderflower and citrus fruits, drain through a fine-meshed sieve or a filter. Put into a large pot, bring to a boil, then add the citric acid and simmer for 10 minutes. Fill into hot, sterilised bottles and keep in the fridge. To sterilise bottles simply place them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.
Delicious diluted with water
Spectacular with a sparkling white wine.
Tchin tchin !
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