Wednesday, October 20, 2010

200th Post, Elderberries & a Give Away....

(Fresh Elder Berries)

WOW, can't believe I made it to 200! Thanks for checking in every once in a while, hopefully you have found some recipes to try or tips to use in your own cooking adventures!

I wanted to do a "different-than-normal" post (beings that it is the 200th one I've done!!!) and I couldn't think of a more perfect one than the newest Elderberry Concoction that I have just tried, it could be my MOST FAVORITE HOME REMEDY YET! I have been hearing a lot about Elderberries everywhere I turn. It seems they are really making a name for themselves- whether it be with Dr. Oz & Oprah (via my mom, I don't have cable!), the health articles and websites I check out, or one of my all time favorite blogs Passionate Homemaking where I found this recipe and tutorial video on how to make your own Elderberry Syrup for PREVENTING sickness and HEALING soar throats and cold like symptoms- perfect timing for the winter months ahead, right?

I am a big fan of trying things out that prevent sickness (especially with little kids in my house all the time- even more so when I taught 6 year olds all day long- and now MOST importantly because I am about to have a newborn in the house during cold & flu season!) so I jumped on the opportunity and thought it was worth giving it a shot..... AND I AM SO GLAD I DID!

Most of the ingredients are ones you have on hand or things you can find at your local grocery store, with the exception of the Dried Elder Berries. I purchased these online and they shipped rather quickly from Mountain Rose Herb Company. I bought an 8 oz. bag in hopes that it would last me a few rounds (note: if you use that site, you have to make a minimum $10 purchase).

It's so simple to make, watch this video posted on Passionate Homemaking or follow the instructions below. If you don't want to make your own, you can purchase it as well, but it's much more cost effective to give it a whirl yourself!


In a small sauce pan bring to boil the following ingredients:
1/2 cup dried elder berries
2 cups water
5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 TBSP freshly grated ginger
***(you will also need 1 cup local or wild honey later in the recipe)



Once that comes to a boil, turn it down and allow it to simmer with the lid on for 20 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. Remove it from the heat and pour all the ingredients through a strainer and into a bowl. Gently press the Elder Berries to remove all the juices from them. Then add 1 cup honey to your elder berry juice that you have just poured into a bowl. (NOTE: I have made this recipe many times since posting it and have cut the honey in HALF so that it's not as sweet, it still packs the same punch though!) Stir it well, let it cool on your counter top, then transfer it to a jar with a sealing lid and store it in your fridge for 3-4 weeks. This syrup is safe for both adults and children alike. (NOTE: Remember there is HONEY in the recipe so it isn't recommended for children under 2. Just make sure everyone else in the household is taking it to lessen the chances of sickness spreading!)
Directions on how to take it:
You can take this Elder Berry Syrup as a preventative & to boost your immune system by taking 1 tsp. daily. Or you can also take it if you feel sickness coming on or have already gotten sick (flu, soar throats, colds, aches and pains, or anything viral) up to 1 TBSP per hour.

Hope this post will help you throughout the cold season, I am so glad I found this concoction right in time! Let me know if your feedback!

200th POST & a Trader Joe's Gift Card Give Away:
Now because it's the 200th post, leave a comment sharing a favorite recipe from this site or a request for a certain kind of recipe you'd like to see in the future and win a $10 Trader Joe Gift Card... because Trader Joe's is my favorite store and my home away from home :) Just a little something fun! Give away will end in ONE WEEK on October 27th and the winner will be posted on the 28th- so stay TUNED!

13 comments:

The Zaballos Family said...

Since I couldn't manage to pull my own name for the last give away, I hope this one works out a little better for me!! I love the idea of this syrup!! Could have used it this week, I came down with a bit of a sore throat/cold. Bum out. Anyhow, clearly I love your blog, keep up the good work...and since ice cream is my favorite food group, how about a frozen treat recipe!!! love you ann!

Trina said...

That syrup sounds amazing. I tried your balsamic chicken recipe and it was delicious. I enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing your healthy recipes.

Candice Dreyer said...

I LOVE LOVE your almond coconut granola recipe. I eat it EVERY day with greek yogurt and pomegranite seeds. Thanks for all the recipes!

Kristen Whitmore said...

I use a lot of your recipes! But i think one of the family favorites is the pesto pasta with artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes. I love how easy it is! I love that it makes a ton of pesto that i can use on pizza or sandwiches the following days! Thanks for keeping the ideas flowing... i love your blog!

Nathan and Nicole said...

Hey Annie! I check out your blog occasionally. I love all the healthy stuff... I just found a banana chocolate chip cookie recipe that has NO flour, sugar, or eggs that I'd like to pass on to you. I think you and your readers would love it.

If you end up drawing my name by some small chance, you can give the card to my sister. While I have my Trader Joe's shopping bags here, I sadly have no Trader Joe's.

Anonymous said...

You know it sis! Annie- I love all your recipes and check your blog weekly to get a grocery list goin'! My favorite is your tortilla soup and Greek salad!
Keep up the great work especially because I just gave your blog to my MOPS table. They were in need of some new recipes and loved the idea of your blog!

Loves, K-Samp

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea,
Checked your blog the other day when Mark was wondering if you had your baby yet. Saw your spaghetti squash recipe so I bought one at the store and am going to make it tomorrow. Thanks for the healthy idea.
-Timarie

Vali said...

Wow 200. Nice work. You know I love your talent and am amazed by your creativity. Keep it up for the next 200!

Angela K. said...

Congrats on your 200th post!

I'd love to see more cookie recipes (do you have one for macaroons?)
matt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com

Meghan Underwood said...

So I could seriously gush and gush about how often I come to you and your blogness to snag an idea for a meal...You helped me dive into becoming a cooking wife...Sooooo yeah, you're great. I love your honey kabobs, fish recipes, crock pot meals...I just love everything...So healthy. So do-able. Way to go 200.

Krissa said...

Wow...where I have I been? I was just doing some catching up on your blog and came across this. I just ordered my elderberries a couple nights ago! So they're on the way and then I'll make the syrup. Great minds think alike!

Unknown said...

I think your post about Murray Farms is intriguing - is it in Bakersfield CA?

Andrea said...

Yes, Murray Farms is actually off the 58 about 20 minutes outside of Bakersfield