Welcome to a delightful nursery rhyme of flavors that twirls in your mouth like a ballet of colors, bursting with health and deliciousness. Today, I’m going to share with you a blissfully simple, yet beautifully elegant recipe that’s quick to stir up and positively brimming with potential benefits; the Elderberry & Calendula Syrup.
Ingredients List
- A generous handful of elderberries, approximately 1 cup
- 1 cup of calendula petals, all crisp and fresh
- 2 cups of purified water, to brew this potion of vitality
- A pinch of zest from organic oranges, adding a sunbeam to the brew
- 1 cup of golden, raw honey, for natural sweetness and more health benefits
- Optional: a dash of cinnamon or cloves, to spice it up a notch
Instructions
- Take a medium-sized pot and add into it, the universe of elderberries and calendula petals with purified water.
- While stirring in the orange zest, let the ode of the ingredients talk to each other over moderate heat, initiating a soft yet invigorating lullaby of simmer.
- Once it reduces to about half – which would take a cozy 45-minute span – you’ll find a thick and concentrated mingling of the ingredients.
- Let this concoction cool down, then strain it into a new pot, ensuring all seeds and petals are left behind, only the rich extract embarks on the next journey.
- To this extract, introduce honey, stirring it well until a harmonious blend is achieved.
Cooking Time & Servings
This elixir of life, our quaint little Elderberry & Calendula Syrup, takes about an hour to stir up, offering around 16 servings of blissful sweetness.
Nutritional Information
An ode to health itself, this Elderberry & Calendula Syrup brings forth a trove of nutrients, like Vitamin C from elderberries, anti-inflammatory properties of calendula, and a powerhouse of minerals from honey. Here’s a list, just to give an idea:
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g (12g from sugars)
Tips and Tricks
Now, here are a few ticks and tips to give your syrup more jazz – try adding a clove or two for added warmth. If you are vegan, don’t frown yet! You can always skip honey and go for coconut sugar or agave nectar.
As we bring this culinary journey to a close
Contemplate the rustic charm of elderberries merging with the sun-kissed essence of calendula, amplified by the dance of sweetness and zest. This Elderberry & Calendula Syrup isn’t just a treat but a celebration of wellness, waiting to be made and cherished over a lazy afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store the Elderberry & Calendula Syrup?
Absolutely! Put it in a glass bottle and store it in your refrigerator for up to a month. Remember, a spoonful a day keeps the blues at bay!
What if I can’t find fresh elderberries?
No worries, you can use dried elderberries too. Just reduce the quantity to half!
Can I use this syrup in my cooking?
Surely! It can be an exotic and healthy addition to your cakes, tarts, or even salad dressings.
Is this syrup suitable for kids?
Considering it contains raw honey, it’s advised not to give this to children below one year. For older kids, it’s simply a fruity delight!
Can I make this syrup without honey?
Of course! Simply replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any sweetener of your choice.
