RECIPE FOR ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

Make good use of the abundance of elderflowers at this time of year and rustle up a flowery cordial that can be used for a wide range of delectable drinks and treats.

Ingredients:

12-15 elderflower heads, depending on size

450g of caster sugar

4 ½ tablespoons of honey

2 unwaxed lemons

Directions:

1. Wash the elderflowers gently, making sure you get rid of any bugs

2. Place the sugar and the honey in a saucepan with 1 litre of water and mix together over a medium heat. Gently bring it to the boil whilst stirring until all the sugar has dissolved then remove from the heat

3. Add the elderflowers, flower first, into the liquid completely submerging the white blooms and then grate the lemon zest into your flowery concoction

4. Squeeze in the juice from one of your lemons. Then slice up the other lemon and add it to the pan along with half a tablespoon of honey. Put the lid on the pan and leave the whole thing to infuse overnight

5. The next day, line a sieve with some white muslin and pour your cordial through

Utensils:

A large pan

Muslin for straining the mixture

Sterilised jars for your finished cordial

6. Store in sterilised bottles or jars to use as cordial, in cocktails, homemade ice cream or anything else that you fancy

Enjoy!