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