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homemade elderflower cordial
Elderflower cordial is something I always used to buy as a treat or for special occasions, but had never gotten around to making myself. (I have a long list of remedies & recipes I haven't quite gotten to yet....there's always something new to try!) Finally on a sunny weekend, I took my basket and went out with the children to pick elder flowers, came back to the kitchen and set about making cordial. I was doubly amazed - not only is this an incredibly simple recipe to make, I honestly believe that this cordial tastes much better than any cordial I have ever bought! The good news is that I am definitely hooked, and will now be making elderflower cordial every year. The bad news is that I never make enough bottles, run out of cordial far too quickly, and the supermarket variety just isn't good enough anymore! (Top Tip: the secret to good elderflower cordial is to pick the freshest looking flower heads (creamy white flowers) in the morning, on a sunny day before the weather gets too hot. Flowering dates vary according to what part of Britain you live in, but look for flowers anytime between the end of May and the middle of June.)
Ingredients:
1.8 kg caster sugar
75 g citric acid (can usually be bought anywhere that sells beer/wine making equipment - we buy ours from a local Wilkinson)
1.5 litres of water
20 elderflower heads
2 unwaxed lemons, zest and sliced
How to make homemade elderflower cordial:
(1) Gently shake the elder flowers to remove any insects, and place them with the lemon zest & slices into a large bowl.
(2) Pour the sugar and citric acid into a large saucepan.
(3) Add the water and simmer on a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
(4) Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the elderflowers/lemon slices & zest.
(5) Stir gently to combine.
(6) Cover the bowl (a clean tea towel works well) and leave for 24 hours at room temperature.
(7) Strain the mixture. Pour into clean, dry, sterilised bottles. Refrigerate. (If stored in the fridge, this cordial keeps well for 4 - 6 weeks.)
Dilute to taste. For an extra refreshing elderflower spritzer, dilute with carbonated water, ice & a slice of lemon or a few soft fruits (raspberries or blackberries).
*This recipe is courtesy of The Good Food Channel at www.uktv.co.uk>GoodFoodChannel>recipes
Ingredients:
1.8 kg caster sugar
75 g citric acid (can usually be bought anywhere that sells beer/wine making equipment - we buy ours from a local Wilkinson)
1.5 litres of water
20 elderflower heads
2 unwaxed lemons, zest and sliced
How to make homemade elderflower cordial:
(1) Gently shake the elder flowers to remove any insects, and place them with the lemon zest & slices into a large bowl.
(2) Pour the sugar and citric acid into a large saucepan.
(3) Add the water and simmer on a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
(4) Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the elderflowers/lemon slices & zest.
(5) Stir gently to combine.
(6) Cover the bowl (a clean tea towel works well) and leave for 24 hours at room temperature.
(7) Strain the mixture. Pour into clean, dry, sterilised bottles. Refrigerate. (If stored in the fridge, this cordial keeps well for 4 - 6 weeks.)
Dilute to taste. For an extra refreshing elderflower spritzer, dilute with carbonated water, ice & a slice of lemon or a few soft fruits (raspberries or blackberries).
*This recipe is courtesy of The Good Food Channel at www.uktv.co.uk>GoodFoodChannel>recipes