Monday 21 June 2010

Elderflower cordial


Hello again,on another Monday!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.  I knew that I had to stay in this weekend due to too much work, but I knew working continuously for the entire weekend would have been torture so in between jobs I made, (with a couple of helpers!) some elderflower cordial, taken from The River Cottage book.



I was confident this year after picking it last year that I knew where it grew and what it looked like!  So off we went and picked ourselves a good 26 elderflower heads.


Give them a good wash

Add orange and lemon zest and juice, boiling water and leave to stand for 24 hours.



Simmer with 1kg of sugar, strain and hey presto you have yourself 2 litres of elderflower cordial.  For flowers that smell completely rank, when you add boiling water to them, the smell is delectable.


It's so simple, I can't believe I've never made it before, and the taste is fantastic.


Whilst in the kitchen I made a white chocolate and blueberry cake and it really was scrummy (none left now)!  My only error was not using a good quality chocolate as the cheap chocolate was quite difficult to work with, but I'll know for next time!



My WIP hexagon cushion is now complete and sits proudly on my favourite chair.  Don't you just love it when projects get completed.  Rather than get on with the other WIP's I thought I may as well add another one to the mix - a patchwork bolster cushion.  Have you guessed I like patchwork?!


Changing the subject completely - I'm lucky enough to be going to Wimbledon on Wednesday - I've never been and always wanted to go.  My friend's son plays tennis and gets tickets through his club.  She managed to get 3 tickets, 1 for her and 1 each for her 2 boys.  Fortunately for me, 1 of her boys doesn't want to miss England's match (he may regret that based on our previous performances!), so she offered it to me!


See you later on in the week.


TTFN.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my blog
I am certainly going to make some of this... it looks Yummy and what a lovely cushion
hope you have a great trip !

sylviesgarden said...

I have been wanting to make some elderflower cordial but i'm a bit worried that I might pick the wrong flowers.
The hexagon cushion is lovely.
x

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

You're the second blogger who has posted about their elderflower cordial making!

Victoria x

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

We (or should I say Mr J and P) have been making wine recently but I am definitely going to get going on the elderflower cordial! Love the cushion.

KC'sCourt! said...

I amdefinitely going to have to make some now. I have now two recipes to follow.
Julie xxxxx

Carmel's Closet said...

Sarah, you're so clever. I wouldn't even know what an elderflower was to pick one. Sounds yummy. Following your patchwork with interest. You have inspired me.
Hope you have a good week.
Carmel

The sewing room said...

Hi Sarah is that normal caster sugar or granulated ?does it make any difference and what sort of bottle ?oh and do you dilute it once it is ready oh so many questions sorry but l realy want to try this. Love the cushion you are so clever. Enjoy your day out.


Hugs Pat

Dawn said...

I had good intention of making elderflower cordial this year. Not sure I will get round to it, sadly. Enjoy yours!

...Nina Nixon... said...

A jolly good weekends work I'd say though we've done the reverse with our elderflowers this year - more fizz and less cordial as we are still drinking last years!

take care,

Nina x

ps. have fun at Wimledon.

maryannlucy said...

I couldn't believe the cordial was so easy, I am tempted now with elderflower champagne!! Enjoy WInbledon x

VintageVicki said...

Just finished the first part of making some cordial - bottling tomorrow - smells ok so far :)

sock yarn pip said...

That elderflower cordial look great... I love Hugh F-W's recipes... made some great savoury muffins last week :)

JuicyFig said...

The elder flowers must be a little behind here - I am off to check through my HFW book right now!!!

I love your patchwork, it is my first love I must admit!

Kath
x
ps, thanks for the button!

Serenata said...

I'm hoping to make some elderflower cordial this year as well...

The cushion is great!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this share I will have to try it. Your pillow turned out wonderful. I will pop back in later. susie

silverpebble said...

Hey I just made elderflower cordial too! Isn't it yummy? I adore your hexy cushion x