42 STAINLESS REFRIGERATOR

....... then try some Elderflower Cordial !

Yes, it's that time of year ...... the elder tree in the garden is full of blossom so I'm making delicious cordial again. This delicate and perfumed cordial always heralds the beginning of summer for me!
I know you can buy it in the shops but home-made is SO much nicer!

For those who might want to try, here is the recipe I use:

25 large elderflower blossom heads
3 unwaxed lemons
2kg granulated sugar
75g citric or tartaric acid (available from chemists)
1.1 litres cold water

Shake the elderflower heads to remove any lurking bugs etc and then place them in a very large, heatproof bowl.

Pare the zest from the lemons in strips and then slice them and add them to the bowl with the elderflower heads.

Put the sugar with the water into a very large saucepan over a low heat and stir until completely dissolved and clear.

Increase the heat and bring the syrup to the boil. Then stir in the citric acid and the pared lemon zest.

Pour the mixture over the elderflowers and lemon slices. Allow to cool, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge for at least 24hrs.

Strain the liquid through a muslin-lined sieve and pour into thoroughly sterilised glass jars or bottles. Seal tightly with screw tops and store in the fridge.

Use within one month. Once the bottle has been opened, store it in the fridge and use in one month.

To sterilise your glass bottles:

Wash them thoroughly in soapy water and rinse in boiling water. Then dry in a preheated oven at 190*C / gas 5 for 15mins ..... leave to cool.

You can then use the cordial diluted as a refreshing summer drink or use it in cooking ...... I have a new recipe to try soon! ;o))
It's also delicious added to whipped cream to have with summer fruits or to make a pavlova a bit different.

P.S. Those of you in the UK may have a bit of trouble in getting hold of citric acid these days. Unfortunately Boots will no longer stock it as it can apparently be used to cut drugs with (is nothing sacred?) ...... so you will have to try small independent chemists and be prepared to be questioned as to why you want it!

This is what I found when I opened the fridge.
Go figure.

Apparently our small hometown grocery store ran out of the gallon size so he stocked up on the half gallon, but then, (being the milk fiend that he is) he decided to go to our other grocery store and buy some more. He also bought about 6 boxes of Pop Tarts (which I never buy) and fed them to the boys for supper while I was at choir practice.

The doctor has told him he is supposed to stop drinking milk.

Also, he goes out of town for the rest of the week on business, and I don't think he's planning on taking the milk with him!

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