Elderflower Cordial

The beginning of Summer is here in Devon and the froth of Elderflowers cover the hedgerows. We have had such a cold Spring that the flowers are about 5 weeks later than normal.

You would be amazed at the lovely things you can make with these pretty flowers, including cakes, biscuits, fritters, elderflower sugar and of course delicious  Elderflower Cordial. So I have been out harvesting the blooms to make cordial, a favourite with my family. Mixed with ice cold, still or sparkling water, Elderflower Cordial makes the most refreshing thirst quencher or freeze it to make ice pops.

The left over flowers I have mixed with sugar and will make little elderflower cakes.

Inspired, I was doodling in my sketch book and ended up illustrating the recipe, which you can find They Draw and They Cook. All in one weekend!

wendy howarth©

Elderflower Cordial Recipe

20 - 30 freshly pick heads of elderflowers
zest from 3 lemons
juice from 4 lemons
1 1/2 kg sugar
1 teaspoon citric acid (optional but it helps to keep longer.)

Shake the eldeflowers to remove insects
Put the elderflowers in a large pan
Add the lemon zest
Cover with boiling water
Leave overnight
The next day, strain through a cloth, squeeze all the juice out
Add the sugar, lemon juice and citric acid
Heat until the sugar has dissolved
Once cool strain again through a cloth and pour into sterile bottles

Easy!