Top 5 Elderberry Recipes

It's September end the elderberries are ripe and a healthy SUPERFOOD! Elderberries are versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes from a syrup to put in a lacroix to a muffin.

Here are five top-rated elderberry recipes for you to enjoy:

1. Elderberry Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or dried elderberries

• 4 cups water

• 1 cup honey or sweetener of choice

• Optional: cinnamon, ginger, cloves

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the elderberries and water. Add optional spices if desired.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes.

3. Mash the elderberries to release their juices, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

4. Allow the liquid to cool slightly before adding honey or your preferred sweetener. Mix well.

5. Transfer the elderberry syrup to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator. Use it as a tonic or to mix with water, tea, or cocktails.

2. Elderberry Jam:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups elderberries, washed and stemmed

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 4 cups sugar

• 1 package pectin

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine elderberries and lemon juice. Mash the berries slightly.

2. Mix the pectin with a small amount of sugar and add it to the pot.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the remaining sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.

4. Allow the jam to boil for about 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Seal the jars with sterilized lids.

6. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

3. Elderberry Muffins:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup elderberries

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• 1/4 cup melted butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter or oil.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

5. Gently fold in the elderberries.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

4. Elderberry Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup elderberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 banana

• 1 cup spinach or kale

• 1 cup almond milk or your preferred milk

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding honey or your preferred sweetener.

4. Pour into glasses and enjoy.

5. Elderberry Popsicles:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup elderberry syrup (see Elderberry Syrup recipe above)

• 1 cup water or fruit juice

• Fresh elderberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix elderberry syrup with water or fruit juice.

2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.

3. If desired, drop a few fresh elderberries into each mold for added texture and flavor.

4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until solid.

5. Enjoy these refreshing elderberry popsicles on a warm day.

Remember that elderberries should be cooked before consuming to remove any potential toxicity.

Enjoy these delicious elderberry recipes while reaping their potential health benefits.