Immunity-Boosting Frozen Elderberry Drops

by Ronna Farley in Cooking > Canning & Preserving

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Immunity-Boosting Frozen Elderberry Drops

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Several years ago I bought 2 elderberry plants to grow on the side of my house. I knew nothing about them. I figured they were like blueberries or raspberries. They finally produced berries this past summer. I then found out that the seeds can cause a stomach ache if you eat them but if you make juice, you can make a syrup that is very good for your immune system. I froze 2 big bags of the berries. I was inspired to finally make something with them. Here is my recipe for Frozen Elderberry Drops! They are a tasty treat that is very healthy too!

Start With Fresh Elderberries

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Here are photos from September, 2020 of my elderberries in my yard and after I picked them. I froze 2 big bags of berries.

Supplies

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saucepan with a lid

candy molds (I used teaspoon-size jelly bean shape molds)

strainer

3 cup glass bowl

wooden spoon

Ingredients

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3 1/2 cups water

1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen elderberries

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 cup honey

The Water

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Pour the water into a medium saucepan.

Add Berries and Spices

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Add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Cook the Mixture

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Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 1 hour.

Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

Mash the Berries

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Pour the liquid through the strainer into the bowl. Mash the berries with a wooden spoon.

Cool and Add the Honey

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Discard the elderberry pulp. Let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
Add the honey and stir well.

You Made Elderberry Syrup!

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When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into jars. Store it in the refrigerator and take a teaspoon daily for its immune boosting properties.

Now Make Frozen Elderberry Drops

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Spoon the elderberry syrup into teaspoon-sized molds. Place flat in the freezer. When frozen, pop out each one into a container.

Enjoy Them!

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These drops make for a refreshing little treat that you can look forward to daily. They are so good for you too!