Making elderflower cordial. The next stage.

I have been jiggling and stirring my elderflowers and lemons for several days and they are now suitably infused ready for the next stage.

I just dive straight in and pull the bulk of the flowers and lemons out with my hands, give a little squeeze and throw these away. (Into my brown compost bin!!)
I'm left with a dark brown liquid with little elderflower petals and bits floating in it, this all needs straining so that it is totally particle free.

I do this through a piece of muslin. Over the years I've devised a what could seem, a rather complicated and 'Heath Robinson.' stylie contraption, but it works.
Upturned stool, each corner of the muslin tied to a stool leg, bucket placed underneath. I then just pour my liquid onto the muslin, which collects all the unwanted stuff and the clear golden liquid is collected in the bucket below - marvellous!

Making elderflower cordial. Day one.

Its that time of the year again, well actually it's later than usual, I don't ever remember picking elderflowers as late as the 1st of July.

I have been watching their growth for a few weeks - the best flavoured cordial is made from full blooms, heavy with pollen and drenched in sunlight.

After a weekend of sunshine, some time to spare and a couple of helpers, I decided that this evening was just the right time for picking.
Armed with scissors and plastic bags, we headed to the park.

I guessed right - beautiful, big, pollen laden clusters.
We arrived back home, just the way I like it - covered in yellow powder, carrying over flowing bags.
Tumbled into tubs the elderflowers will be left over night to allow the bugs to escape.........