Tuesday, May 17, 2011

ce mercredi je bois - elderflower cordial

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


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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