Strawberry Water Or Strawberry Cordial Food

STRAWBERRY WATER (OR STRAWBERRY CORDIAL)

Steps:

• In a large pan over a low flame, dissolve the sugar in the water.
• Increase the flame and bring the liquid to a boil, then plunge in the strawberries, put a close-fitting lid on the pot and turn off the heat.
• Leave the pan undisturbed for at least an hour to infuse.
• Dampen a piece of muslin cloth (or a jelly bag), and strain off the liquid into a large bowl or jug. Leave the pulp to drip until all the liquid has been collected - do not press the strawberry pulp, or the liquid will turn cloudy. In my experience, the drained pulp is very popular with passing children, despite its rather anaemic appearance!
• Chill the beautiful ruby-red strawberry water, then serve over ice. You may need to dilute it with water, to taste.
• Alternative serving suggestion - pour a little of the chilled strawberry water into a wine glass, then top up with chilled sparkling wine.

STRAWBERRY CORDIAL

Steps:

• Clean berries without washing; set aside in tall half-gallon jar.
• Mix sugar with 1 cup water and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.
• Increase heat; bring mixture to boil and set aside to cool.
• Mix cooled syrup with vodka and pour over strawberries.
• Cover tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 1 week.
• Pass liqueur through a fine mesh strainer (eat berries :-)).
• Strain again through coffee filter into a bottle.
• Note: The reason for the double-straining is to eliminate the tiny strawberry seeds that inevitably fall off the fruit into the liqueur. The fruit can be cut into smaller pieces if very large, or left whole.

WILD STRAWBERRY CORDIAL

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, then decrease the heat to low and simmer for about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Strain out the lemon zest and vanilla bean and pour into a store-and-pour container. The cordial will keep for 7 days, refrigerated. Keep refrigerated until use. Fill a labeled squeeze bottle for easiest use.