Sunday, June 20, 2010

Elderflower Cordial

It's that time of year again, the sky is blue, the birds are singing and plants are bursting into flower...and I'm sneezing, rubbing my eyes and cursing nature!
I love elderflower cordial, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of this mixed with fizzy water, ice and a slice of lemon. I also enjoyed it with a dash of gin last year...hic! I am sure that Mum won't mind me posting her recipe here for you all to enjoy. It's so simple and makes a great present too.


Elderflower Cordial
20 heads of Elderflowers
2 pints boiling water
2 kg sugar
2 lemons, zested then sliced
80g citric acid (available from brewing shops and some chemists...I got the third degree last year when trying to buy it from a chemist)
Boil the water (I use the kettle for speed and efficiency) and pour over the sugar which you've already put in a large pan, heat until it comes back to the boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat and add the lemon zest, sliced lemons and citric acid. Pour this mixture over the elderflowers - shake them first to get rid of any lingering insects, there's usually a small spider or two! - and cover. Leave for at least 12 hours to infuse. It's such a delicate floral flavour that you really need to let it develop for as long as you can.
Sieve the cordial and then strain through muslin. Store in clean bottles in a cool dark place.
Serve diluted with fizzy water and/or a splash of gin, ice and a slice.
Got gooseberrys? Make an elderflower and gooseberry crumble using the cordial. Yum!
Enjoy your summer, Ali x

5 comments:

Linda said...

Thank you for that as I was thinking I would like to try and make it this year!

picperfic said...

I must go and collect some elderflowers....I love the look of the tiny flowers that escape into the syrup, seems a shame to filter them out xx

I like the look of your blog too!

Woollycraft Wonders said...

The problem with citric acid is that its used by heroin addicts. To avoid suspicious glances don't go buying it when you are not at your best!!!

Razmabaz said...

It's very nice with a splash of Gin too! (so they say)

Batty said...

I don't think I've ever had elderflower anything, but it sounds delicious.