Hello :) It's a quiet afternoon at the cottage. The clouds are building and a cool wind is picking up...
I'm spending the afternoon indoors, making a a few homemade fruit cordials.
The first, is an elderberry cordial.
I'm using dried elderberries, and adding water, ginger and cinnamon.
Once combined, the mixture can be brought to boiling point, and then left to simmer.
While that simmers, I'm getting started on a pomegranate and mint cordial.
Removing the seeds in a bowl of water can help to reduce splattering of pomegranate juice everywhere :)
The dogs creep a little further into the cottage all the time, as the clouds gather :)
Once the liquid has decreased by half, it can be removed from the heat.
I'm adding a few mint leaves to the pomegranate seeds, along with the juice of a lemon.
Mash everything together well to release the flavours.
Add honey and combine well.
Leave in the fridge to infuse for a day, before straining. This syrup can then be used as a cordial, and be added to sparkling or hot water or even drizzled over oats.
Once the elderberry mixture has cooled, strain the berries from the liquid, and add honey.
The syrup can be added to sparkling water for a refreshing drink in summer months.
But for today, I added a teaspoon to hot water for ready-made sweet elderberry tea...
Ready just in time for the arrival of the rain!
Thank you for watching; and for all your kind comments. May your week ahead be a blessed one!