Imagine, a rainy Sunday, you’re nestled comfortably at home, hankering for a sweet treat that is both delicious and beneficial. The thought of canned elderberry filling comes to mind – a delightful concoction filled with ripe, juicy elderberries nestled in a succulent syrup. This creation can be used as a perfect pie filling or as the star ingredient in jams and preserves. So, don your culinary finery and embark on a delectably flavorful journey, dispelling those gloomy, drizzly blues with a waltz through our recipe for canned elderberry filling.
Ingredients List
For this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- 5 cups of ripe elderberries
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon(optional for a little spice)
Instructions
1. Start by gently washing your elderberries. Now, remove the ripe berries from their stems using a fork.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the elderberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring periodically, ensuring the sugar has completely dissolved.
4. Then add your pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and, if you’re a spice lover, your optional dash of cinnamon.
5. Let this simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly, and adopts a glossy sheen.
6. Pour the hot mixture into your prepared canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the top.
Cooking Time & Servings
This recipe takes roughly 45 minutes to prepare and cook and yields about 4 pints of deeply satisfying elderberry filling.
Nutritional Information
Elderberries are not just a flavor carnival for your taste buds, they also bring a wealth of health benefits to the table. Just a spoonful of canned elderberry filling can boost your immune system, thanks to its rich vitamin C content.
Nutritional Value per Serving:
- Total calories: 70
- Grams of fat: 0.5g
- Grams of carbohydrates: 17g
- Grams of protein: 0.5g
Tips and Tricks
To take your canned elderberry filling to an ethereal level, try adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg. For those on a low-sugar diet, substitute the white sugar with your preferred sweetener or simply reduce the quantity.
Ending on a soul-warming note
This canned elderberry filling recipe brings the comforting essence of home cooking, marrying simplicity, taste, and health in a joyous culinary union. So next time you’re seeking a sweet, health-filled treat – give it a go! Post your successful creations on social media, or share your experiences in the comments below. We’re always thrilled to hear from our culinary comrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen elderberries? Absolutely! Make sure to thaw them before cooking.
2. How long does the canned elderberry filling last? When stored properly in a cool, dark place, it can last up to a year.
3. Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, both brown and granulated sugar work equally well.
4. What other dishes can I make with this filling? You can use it as a topping for pancakes, filling for tarts or simply indulged with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. What if I can’t find elderberries? Other berries like blueberries, blackberries or cherries can be a good substitute.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Unleash your creativity and feel free to make alterations to suit your taste. Bon appetit!
