* I have just found this in my drafts folder - it is from May and while elderflower season has passed I wanted to share this recipe anyway because it is so easy and fun and very yummy!
Back in May, a few of us in the village went foraging for some elderflowers to make cordial. We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful evening, it really felt like summer.
We drove down to then next village and parked up along the road. We had baskets and even a step ladder - we were prepared to climb and even get stung by nettles to get the perfect flowers. We were lucky enough to find a good stash and enjoyed a lovely walk in the fields, admiring the wildflowers and just enjoying the evening light.
We then drove back to Claire's house and began to make our cordial. Jam pans aren't necessary but are great because of their size so you can make large quantities at a time. It is so easy and quick but most of all - it was such fun and this cordial is utterly delicious. We compared some to a bottle of supermarket elderflower cordial.
The homemade stuff wins hands down. It is less sweet and more lemony and just tastes homemade. The best way in my books.
Here is the recipe we used - we tripled the amounts below.
Homemade Elderflower Cordial
MAKES: 600ml (1 pint)
TAKES: 25 minutes plus standing time
KEEPS: for 3 months, preferably refrigerated
Ingredients
12 Large Elderflower Heads
1 large lemon
750g granulated sugar
2.5 teaspoons citric acid
♥ Shake the elderflowers well to remove any insects.
♥ Pare off the zest from the lemon in thick strips and thinly slice the fruit.
♥ Put the sugar and water in a large pot and heat slowly, stirring gently until the sugar has dissolved and bring to the boil.
♥ Place the elderflower and lemons into the syrup and stir well, then stir in the citric acid and cover with a clean cloth and leave to steep for 24 hours.
♥ Strain through a muslin, or like we did, through a sieve.
♥ Pour into sterlised bottles (I put mine in the dishwasher on the hottest cycle) and store in the fridge if possible.
Best enjoyed with soda water or if you are feeling naughty with some prosecco!
Enjoy ♥
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