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Elderflower cordial
It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some?
-- Sacha http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote:
It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote:
On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Judith |
Elderflower cordial
"Judith in France" wrote in message ... On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Judith Had this by email today http://m.fw-reply.com/www/2C646N/A6z...IaCI/index.htm |
Elderflower cordial
In article , Judith in France writes: | | [ Citric acid ] | | Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in | France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Probably. It's a widely used food additive. And, yes, lemon juice works perfectly well as an alternative, essentially anywhere citric acid is specified. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Elderflower cordial
On 4/6/08 17:57, in article
, "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Judith I can't answer that, having absolutely no knowledge of chemistry! I think it's part of the preserving process, so possibly not. I DO know that it can be hard to find because addicts use it to 'cut' heroin with. I found this out because I had great difficulty getting hold of it one year and our local chemist told me why. This year, they've ordered it for me and others, of course! -- Sacha http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' |
Elderflower cordial
On 4/6/08 18:39, in article ,
"Martin" wrote: On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:57:51 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France wrote: On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Lemon juice is citric acid. Finding unwaxed oranges and lemons is a bit more difficult. The wax contains pesticide. Not here. Lemons are labeled as unwaxed in the supermarkets. I haven't looked for unwaxed oranges but personally, I don't use the oranges, just the lemons. I'm afraid I don't agree with Nick's remark that lemon juice would do as well because I think that, in addition to the lemons already in the recipe, *might* make it too sharp. Of course, with all these country recipes, the point is to experiment, too. So try it, Judith and see what you think. But freeze the juice. I see different recommendations with regard to keeping it. Some say, fridge, some say freezer, some say cupboard. I always freeze mine and take it out when needed. It keeps for about a week in the fridge, IME and may do so for longer but I err on the side of caution simply because there seems to be a wide range of opinion on this. -- Sacha http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' |
Elderflower cordial
"Judith in France" wrote in message ... We don't make the cordial but I make elderflower 'champagne' ('fizz' for the purists): ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE a.. 50 elderflower heads b.. 3 2lb bags of caster sugar c.. 11 tablespoons of white wine vinegar d.. 25 litres of cold water e.. 11 large lemons Pick the elderflowers when fully out and shake to remove insects. Place the flowers in a cloth bag, seal it and put it into the water with the sugar, vinegar, juice and zest from the lemons. Mix well, cover and stand for 72 hours. Bottle and leave for 2 weeks releasing the fizz every couple of days or the bottles will burst. I use plastic fizzy drink bottles which I beg from friends because we don't use them. PET bottles will withstand the pressure. You really do have to release the pressure regularly. The plastic bottles I use would not stand up to the fiercest pressure because it rounds out the bottoms, but they do not burst. I have known glass bottles explode on rare occasions, and for the screw tops to be blown off. If you release the fizz and don't leave the bottles in a warm place you should be alright. You can reduce the amounts in proportion and make smaller batches. The drink is ideal for barbecues with plenty of ice. Or just on a warm summer afternoon, sitting in the garden and being civilised :-) Mary |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 7:05 pm, Sacha wrote:
On 4/6/08 18:39, in article , "Martin" wrote: On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:57:51 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France wrote: On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Lemon juice is citric acid. Finding unwaxed oranges and lemons is a bit more difficult. The wax contains pesticide. Not here. Lemons are labeled as unwaxed in the supermarkets. I haven't looked for unwaxed oranges but personally, I don't use the oranges, just the lemons. I'm afraid I don't agree with Nick's remark that lemon juice would do as well because I think that, in addition to the lemons already in the recipe, *might* make it too sharp. Of course, with all these country recipes, the point is to experiment, too. So try it, Judith and see what you think. But freeze the juice. I see different recommendations with regard to keeping it. Some say, fridge, some say freezer, some say cupboard. I always freeze mine and take it out when needed. It keeps for about a week in the fridge, IME and may do so for longer but I err on the side of caution simply because there seems to be a wide range of opinion on this. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, you much would be in a sachet in England, just in case I have to get it loose here? I will freeze it as you suggest but also try and make some Champagne as well. I wonder how elderflower ice cream would go down as I have a gelatiere . Judith |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 6:28 pm, "Robert \(Plymouth\)"
wrote: "Judith in France" wrote in ... On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Judith Had this by email today http://m.fw-reply.com/www/2C646N/A6z...IaCI/index.htm I have bookmarked this Robert for future use, thank you. Judith |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 6:37 pm, (Nick Maclaren) wrote:
In article , Judith in France writes: | | [ Citric acid ] | | Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in | France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Probably. It's a widely used food additive. And, yes, lemon juice works perfectly well as an alternative, essentially anywhere citric acid is specified. Regards, Nick Maclaren. Thanks Nick. Judith |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 6:39 pm, Martin wrote:
On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:57:51 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France wrote: On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Lemon juice is citric acid. Finding unwaxed oranges and lemons is a bit more difficult. The wax contains pesticide. -- Martin I only buy unwaxed cirtus fruits, and these are easy to obtain in France. Judith |
Elderflower cordial
On Jun 4, 7:00 pm, Sacha wrote:
On 4/6/08 17:57, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 2:59 pm, Sacha wrote: On 4/6/08 12:35, in article , "Judith in France" wrote: On Jun 4, 9:59 am, Sacha wrote: It's that time again. Anyone else going to make some? -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Only if you tell me how to! Judith It's very easy but it smells of cat's pee, so you might like to let it stand somewhere that it won't offend your nostrils while it's 'brewing'. Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 6 pints (approx. 3 litres) of boiling water 2lb (900g) caster sugar or preserving sugar 1 packet of citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges 3 unwaxed lemons Method 1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures. 2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. 3. Add the citric acid, the oranges and lemons sliced, and then the flowers. 4. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. Strain through some muslin and bottle and freeze. It's a sticky business but I pour mine into those individual ice cube bags because one cube is just right for one drink and if you defrost a few a day, they'll keep in a jug in the fridge for a few days anyway. The undiluted cordial is lovely poured over gooseberries. -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Thanks Sacha, I wonder if this acid is available at our chemist in France or whether lemon juice would be a good alternative? Judith I can't answer that, having absolutely no knowledge of chemistry! I think it's part of the preserving process, so possibly not. I DO know that it can be hard to find because addicts use it to 'cut' heroin with. I found this out because I had great difficulty getting hold of it one year and our local chemist told me why. This year, they've ordered it for me and others, of course! -- Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' Good grief, I might like a glass of Bubbly to get a bit high but other than that I am quite boring. When we were on holiday last week, I said to my daughters that I could smell a whiff, they fell about laughing, I should have said splif or something like that :-) Judith |
Elderflower cordial
"Judith in France" wrote in message ... I only buy unwaxed cirtus fruits, and these are easy to obtain in France. Judith They are here too. Mary |
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