Recipe: Elderflower Cordial

the appetizer:

The Scandinavian Cookbook by Trina Hahnemann, includes recipes like Elderflower Cordial; Smørrebrød (Smoked Cheese Salad on Rye); Biff Lindström; and Meatballs with Thyme, Green Cabbage, and Lingonsylt.

Cookbook

Elderflower Cordial

Makes 8 cups

Elderflower has the taste of summer freshness. It is a bit like the feeling you get when the sun is shining on an early morning in the countryside and a gentle breeze is blowing. When beautiful elderflowers bloom, you know that summer is here and it is time to prepare elderflower cordial.

40 elderflower clusters
3 lemons, sliced
2-1/2 ounces citric acid
4 pounds superfine sugar
8 cups water

Put the elder flowers, lemons, and citric acid in a very large heatproof bowl. Combine the sugar and water in a pan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the syrup over the elderflowers, cover with a dish towel, and let rest for 3 to 5 days.

Strain the mixture, discarding all the solids. Pour any cordial that you are not going to use immediately into sterilized bottles and store them in a cool, dark place. To use the cordial, dilute to taste with still or sparkling water or Champagne and serve with slices of lemon.