Elderflower cordial and Menu for w/c 14th June 2010

With the recent rain the elderflowers in the hedgerows, which are just reaching their prime, have been naturally washed for me. Time for some home made elderflower cordial.

Elderflower Cordial (1)

Pick 20 large heads of elderflower (try and avoid those that are growing by a road)
1.2 litres boiling water
1.8kg white sugar
2 large lemons (scrub well if waxed)
75g citric acid (you can buy this at a chemist)

Gently wash the elderflowers to remove any dust and insects
Place in a large pan and pour over the boiling water. This kills the natural yeast in the flowers.
Stir in the sugar
With a vegetable peeler peel large strips of skin from the lemons. Slice the rest of the fruit and put slices and strips into the pan.
Stir in the citric acid and leave for 24 hours stirring occasionally.
Strain and bottle.
To serve - dilute to taste.


Elderflower Cordial (2)
A variant that was given to me some years ago which uses oranges as well as lemons. Some subtle differences in the method.

30 elderflower heads
6 pints boiling water
2lb castor sugar
1 packet of citric acid
2 oranges
3 lemons

Gently rinse elderflowers
Pour boiling water over sugar, stir well and leave to cool
Add citric acid, sliced fruit and flowers.
Leave for 24 hours stirring occasionally.
Strain and bottle.
To serve - dilute to taste.



Menu for this week
M Tuna Pasta Bake
T Philly steak sandwich
W Duck and Chips
Th Meal from Freezer
F Cheese Pudding