Despite what felt like a very long day yesterday, I managed to struggle through, coughing, sneezing, eyes watering - don't you just love the hay fever season!!

The elderflower shrub(or is it bush?), that borders the edge of the garden by the field, is in full flower and has made my hayfever worse this year. Usually it isn't a problem, but for some reason it has set it off quite badly. This morning I could smell itIt's scent invades the house and you go round trying to find where the dogs have wee'd because, quite honestly, that is what it smells like. It is all around the house.

If I liked elderflower, I may have harvested some of its flowers and made a few refreshing drinks, but I don't so I won't. however I have a couple of recipes that I will share here in case anyone fancies to make their own:)


ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL: Ingredients: 20 elderflower heads; 1 lemon (sliced); 2tsp citric acid; 3 1/2lb sugar; 2 1/2 pints boiling water. Put all the dry ingredients into a clean pan. Pour boiling water over. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Skim. Cover with a cloth or lid. Stir twice daily for five days. Strain through muslin and bottle. The cordial can be frozen in plastic bottles (leave space for expansion). Fresh cordial can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Dilute with water, sparkling mineral water or lemonade and serve with slices of lemon and sprigs of mint. Diluted, this can be made into a refreshing sorbet.

ELDERFLOWER 'CHAMPAGNE'(non-alcoholic): Ingredients: 6 heads of elderflowers; 1 1/2lb caster sugar; 2tbsp of white wine vinegar; 1 lemon (rind and juice); 1 gallon of boiling water. Place the elder blossoms in a large container. Sprinkle over the sugar, wine vinegar and lemon juice and rind. Add a gallon of boiling water, stir gently, then leave for 24 hours, covered with a clean cloth. Strain the infusion into sterilised bottles and seal. Plastic corks are best. Leave the "champagne" to settle for two weeks before drinking, storing the bottles in a cool place. By then, it should be clear and sparkling.

Elderflower Wine

3 pints elder flowers (stems removed),3 gallons water,10 pounds sugar,
2 pounds raisins,Juice of 3 oranges,Juice of 1 lemon,1 pkg wine yeast

Wash and drain elder flowers and put in primary fermentor.
Make a syrup of water and sugar, pour it hot over elderflowers, cover and allow to cool.
Mix orange and lemon juice with the yeast, add the liquid, cover and let stand for 10 days.
Strain and add the raisins.
Cover and let stand for 4 months.
Bottle the wine and store in a dark place for 6 months before using.

Yesterday we took the dogs for a long walk. Not a good idea really, don't think the Greyhound coped with it all that well. early evening and it was still quite hot outside. but they survived it and no doubt will be annoying us to take them out when I get home today.

Today I have work then a Governor's meeting, a lot going on in so little time really.

Right better get a move on, work cannot wait!!

have a good day

Hugs xxxx