Elderberry Syrup

Just before we went away last week I realized that if I didn't pick the elderberries I would be out of luck

 as they were drying up quickly in the heat.

I made time to pick them that day and then set about getting them off the stems.  This is a time consuming job - something I would normally rush through or try to find the fastest way to accomplish - but I found it very calming and peaceful this time.  I sat outside in the morning sun with my bowls full of berries and enjoyed the sound of the berries pattering into the bowl - a much needed slow down.

Once I had my largest bowl full of berries I decided to make syrup with them since I still have some elixir left from last year.  (If you want to see a gorgeous photo tutorial of one method of making elderberry syrup have a look here.)

I washed and measured them.  Put them in a large pot with some water and cooked them.

Then collected their juice with this strainer.  I heated the juice with some honey and then sealed it in canning jars. 

Now I have 10 jars tucked away in the coldroom to help maintain our good health in the winter months.  (That little red tool in the photo is one of my favourite canning tools - I used to burn my fingers a lot trying to fish lids out of hot water before I got that handy magnetic tool.)

And then I thought a sample of the syrup was in order so I poured some into my glass and added some club soda and ice.  Very refreshing.

PS - ever wondered how big a zucchini can get in the 5 days you go on a holiday?  This big!!  I picked all the plants clean before I left and came home to another box full.

And ever wondered how many cukes and zukes you can get in those 5 days? This many!! 

I picked all the plants clean before I left and came home to another box full of each.  Happily I was able to unload lots on my drive home from the garden (so the photo only shows what I ended up bringing home) - some at the library, some to a co-worker, some with friends...and some on someone's doorstep.  Boy, will they be surprised when they get home.   One year I will manage to reconcile my love of growing food with my love of going on trips in the summertime and figure out a way to not end up with such surpluses of produce.  Now...to get caught up on the rest of the produce.