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10:35 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Wash 400g elderberries and chop 1 large cooking apple (no need to peel or core), put into 1pt water add the juice and squeezed shell of 1 lime along with a handful of eucalyptus leaves and 1 whole dried chilli and simmer for 15 mins.
strain through a sieve, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much fruit as possible.
Put the thick liquid back in to a pan and add 500g sugar, heat slowly, stirring until the sugar has disolved. Bring to the boil and simmer until setting point (105 degrees c)
skim if needed then pour into sterilized jars, cover with waxed discs and cellophane and elastic band.
Can be used as a tonic when you feel a cold coming on or feeling run down - take 1 tablespoon, or use as I do, spread on toast and enjoy when ever you feel like it.
This is also known as anti-viral jam
10:43 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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The contractors for our council have taken it into their heads to decimate all useful trees in my area. Blackthorn and Elder are gone. Kaput. Bloody bastards. Just as well they didn't see the Cherry trees. But I'll bookmark that recipe Janet, just in case I come across some Elderberries.
I'll try that again!
10:49 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Also, when using Elderberries, make sure that you don't include any stems, twigs or bits of leaf in the recipe - that way lies desperate bathroom usage.
I'll try that again!
11:27 pm
Supreme Being
Wed 30-Dec-09
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That sounds good ... especially on toast! 
7:28 pm
this sounds like a set version of the delicious elderberry syrup you posted last year TA
My kids line up to have it when they have a cold; they are disappointed if they are well!!
I am going to pick my first elderflowers for cordial tomorrow! mmm
just hope it doesnt ferment like last year!
10:32 pm
Supreme Being
Wed 30-Dec-09
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Oh good luck, Shelley - goodness are the elderflowers out already? Spring is flying this year .... 
10:49 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Tue 22-Sep-09
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I was looking in the hedgerows today to see if the flowers are out, but they aren't yet here. Fancy making some elderflower chamapgne. anyone got a recipe
9:49 pm
Expert
New members
Sun 17-Jan-10
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I tried the River Cottage one last year and it was a bit yeasty for me. You got a good fizz in the bottles, but there wasn't much sweet floral taste to enjoy. And after a week or two it was mostly yeasty.
So if anyone's got a good recipe I'm interested!
1:17 pm
I ended up with champagne by mistake last year and wasnt hugely impressed; lots of fizz but very sickly and iccky!
3:02 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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I wonder what the alcohol content of that was Shelley?
I'll try that again!
6:20 pm
dont know; high probably: I ended up chucking it all out
anyway here is a photo of the first batch of the year; already in production and it is only April!!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150.....f10c09f061
plus one of the cats on a windowsill!!
6:51 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Good grief, I can hardly believe this is still April! Love the cat pic too.
I'll try that again!
6:55 pm
Supreme Being
Wed 30-Dec-09
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Shelley - not only is the cat pic is adorable, but that picture of the lemons and elderflowers is beautiful too.
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