elderberries-msg - 10/23/08
Medieval use of elderberries. Processing them and recipes.
NOTE: See also the files: wine-msg, berries-msg, lavender-msg, rose-syrup-msg, sumac-msg, cherries-msg, grapes-msg, fruits-msg, Period-Fruit-art.
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Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:50:14 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Pixel, Goddess and Queen" <pixel at hundred-acre-wood.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Elderberries
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>
It's easiest if you pick the cluster and then use a fork to separate the
berries from the stems.
Grandpa made pancake syrup with the ripe berries--you have to cook them to
make them edible anyway. It's too late for elderflower fritters, which is
the other thing we did with them.
Margaret FitzWilliam
On Sun, 10 Aug 2008, Lynn wrote:
<<< I have a plethora of wild elderberries in various stages of ripening. Some
will be ripe in a day or two and some are still very small and green and will
ripen within a week or so (just guessing), while other clusters have just
finished bloom stage.
Has anyone had experience with doing things with wild elderberries? All
suggestions and recipes would be appreciated.
I'm also interested in hearing your experiences in the picking and stem
removal of the berries.
Lynn the Inquisitive >>>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:19:02 -0400
From: Johnna Holloway <johnnae at mac.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Elderberries
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>
Have you seen
http://www.elderberries.com/ ?
We had them growing wild at home on the farm, but I can't recall
ever doing anything with them.
Johnnae
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:24:56 -0500
From: Harry Bilings <humble_archer at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Elderberries
To: <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>
I have made wine with them one time. Did not remove the stems and should have. I don't know of an easy way to do so but they (the stems) messed with the wine. You might be able to crush the berries stem and all and just use the juice.
plachoya
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:50:47 -0400
From: Kean Gryffyth <kad.dsl at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Elderberries
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>
Here's a recipe for Elderberry Liquor. This produces a strikingly deep
purple liquor with a pleasant taste.
Note: This recipe assumes you have some knowledge of the process of
producing liquors. If anyone needs assistance on that front, I can
define the terms and techniques upon request.
From "Cordials from your kitchen"
4 cups fresh elderberries, picked over and washed
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup water
3 cups 100 proof vodka
Crush Elderberries and Sugar together in a bowl. Let stand for about 1
hour.
Add Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice.
Transfer to clean 2 quart container and add Water and Vodka.
Cover and let stand in a cool, dark place for 1 month, shaking
occasionally.
Use a fine mesh strainer to stain out solids, discard solids.
Transfer liquor to a clean container and left stand for 1 week.
Rack or filter into final container.
Cover and age 1 month more before serving.
Yield: approx. 1.5 quarts,
-Kean
<the end>