Elderflower

[tamborine]

Elderflower in bloom. Anyone got tried & tested recipes for cordials & wine, please

[mccfluff]

mum makes cordial by making a sugar syrup and pouring that onto elderflowers with lemon slices in it

not sure of quanties but its damn nice

[tamborine]

I'd luv her recipe, please fluff.

[tenrec]

I got a recipe of t'internet last year, but haven't kept it. Lovely cordial though. Try Google.

[tamborine]

most say citric acid....dont want to use that as its a drain cleaner :(

[tenrec]

You have just reminded me. I went to chemists for citric acid and couldn't get it so left it out. Tasted damn good without it.

[glasman]

•2 ¼ lbs /1k sugar
•3 pints/1.5 liters boiling water
•4 medium lemons, washed
•30 large Elderflower heads, shake to remove any insects
•2 oz/55g citric acid
•Place the sugar into a large saucepan/stockpot or a large Pyrex bowl. Pour the boiling water over and stir until all the sugar has dissolved and leave to cool.
•Grate the rind of the lemons with a fine grater, add to the sugar water.
•Slice the lemons into thick slices and add to the water. Add the citric acid and stir, then finally add the flower heads to the water and stir again.
•Cover with a clean cloth and leave to steep for 48 hours.
•Strain through clean fine muslin cloth into a clean bowl.
• Using a funnel, fill sterilized bottles . Seal and store in a cool, dark place (not the refrigerator).

[tenrec]

Thanks Glasman, that has saved me having to Google it again. Guess what I'm doing in the kitchen tomorrow? ;-)

[tamborine]

the flowers aren't fully open here. Will the smell get stronger if I wait for a full bloom ?

[tenrec]

I made it last year with flowers that were probably just past their best, but this year I intend to get picking very soon, once they are fully in flower. Some are already out, but not all on the same tree.

[tamborine]

Is this recipe diluted when served ?

[pastafreak]

Since when is citric acid a drain cleaner???...says here it's a weak acid... -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid

[jomifl]

Tambo, why do they put drain cleaner in lemons?

[pastafreak]

^^^^^ lol!!!

[tamborine]

Am serving it at street party, hope no-one keels over else I shall blame Abank :)

[tamborine]

Made mine, it smells gorgeous & tastes better. I tipped out the sour, bitter chardonay & filled the bottles with my sweet plonk. Best to pick the blooms early morning, before the insects settle on them.

Deeeeelish !