Prelude To Summer Old Fashioned English Elderflower Cordial Food

ELDERFLOWER OLD FASHIONED

Steps:

• Combine 2 ounces rye whiskey, 3/4 ounce each elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) and cold water and 2 or 3 dashes of bitters in a rocks glass; stir to combine. Add ice and stir again until chilled, about 30 seconds. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a blood orange slice.

PRELUDE TO SUMMER - OLD FASHIONED ENGLISH ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

Steps:

• Place the freshly picked elderflowers in a large heatproof bowl or pan (that can be covered or has a lid). Add the sliced lemons. Then add the sugar.
• Pour the boiling water over and add the citric acid - stir all the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved.
• Make sure the lemon slices and most of the elderflower heads are under the sugar water. Cover and leave in a cool place for 4 days.
• Every day, remove the lid and stir the mixture - pressing the lemon slices gently to extract the juice.
• You should be able to smell the beautiful floral fragrance of the elderflowers after only one day -- if after 4 days you feel there is not enough "floral" flavour to the cordial, leave for a further day.Remember, that this will be diluted to drink or added to other ingredients, so it should be as strong as possible in smell and flavour!
• When you are ready to bottle the cordial, strain through a non-metallic FINE sieve (lined with muslin if necessary - if the sieve is not fine enough) into a large pouring jug or bowl.
• Then pour the cordial into clean and sterile bottles. Seal the bottles and store the cordial in a cool, dark, dry place. This cordial is ready to use/drink now, and it will keep for a very long time if stored in the right conditions. (I have some from 4 years ago and it is still as fragrant and floral as the day I made it!).
• NB: Citric acid can be found in chemists or pharmacists, or in special brewing and wine-making shops/departments. If you cannot source citric acid, use an extra lemon instead.

CHERRY BOUNCE -- A CORDIAL

Steps:

• Place the cherries in a 1 quart glass container, being careful not to crush the fruit.
• Add the sugar and the lemon peel.
• Fill the container with the bourbon.
• Seal the lid and gently shake the jar, or move it around the counter to distribute the alcohol and sugar evenly.
• The sugar will continue to dissolve over time.
• Place the cordial in a cool, dark place for 2 months to allow the liquor to be infused with the flavor.
• Jump start the process by placing the container on a sunny windowsill for the 1st two weeks.
• The fluctuating temperatures of the daytime sun and the cool evenings will speed the flavor infusion.

TIPSY RASPBERRY CORDIAL

Steps:

• Pour alcohol over berries in a crock. Cover.
• Stir every week for 2-4 weeks.
• Strain.
• To 3 cups of the liquer add 1 1/4 cups sugar.
• Age for 3 months in a glass container.
• Use the strained fruit in desserts, or as ice cream topping.

ALI'S ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL (CONCENTRATE)

Steps:

• Put sugar in a large bowl, pour boiling water over it and stir to disvole.
• Add lemon both the fruit and rind the citric acid and flowers.
• Leave for 24 hours stirring occasionally.
• Sieve through muslin or a very fine sieve.
• Pour into bottle.

MOCK MINCEMEAT PIE

Steps:

• TO MAKE THE PIE CRUST: Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl or in the work bowl of a food processor.
• Process or cut in the butter or lard until the fat is in pea-size pieces.
• If using a food processor, turn the mixture into a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg, lemon juice, and 3 Tablespoons ice water together.
• Drizzle the liquids over the crumbly mixture.
• With a fork, mix until the pastry holds together in a ball, adding more ice water if necessary.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead once or twice, lightly, to shape the dough into a ball.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
• TO MAKE THE FILLING: Prepare the pie crust.
• On a floured surface, roll out half of the pastry to fit a 10-inch pie pan.
• Line the pan with the pastry.
• Preheat the oven to 425 F.
• In a large bowl, combine the apples, zucchini, carrots, nuts, raisins, and flour; toss to mix.
• In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and butter until blended and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice.
• Mix into the apple mixture.
• Turn the filling into the pastry-lined pan.
• On a floured surface, roll out the second half of the pastry and cut into 1/2-inch strips.
• Arrange on top of the filling in a lattice fashion.
• Trim and seal the strips to the bottom crust.
• In a small bowl, make the glaze by beating the egg and water together.
• Brush the mixture over the top and edges of the pie.
• Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pie is set and the pastry is golden brown.
• Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.
• The Great Holiday Baking Book.