ELDERBERRY EXTRACT

We played out in the snow all weekend. We got several inches in the middle of last week, and then the temperatures dropped into the teens, making for great sledding and potential frostbite. The kids have been really enjoying the change of scenery, mostly from their view out the living room window, or peeking out from beneath several layers of hats, scarves, and hoods. I spent most of my weekend making hot chocolate for half-frozen children, organizing our new office space, setting up a curriculum for our “preschool at home” program, and cooking meals from things we had on hand (since going to the store sounded treacherous).

We are on the tail end of yet another fall/winter cold. It’s been pretty non-stop around here since the beginning of September! I made up a batch of Elderberry Extract in an effort to get our immune systems back on track. I got in the habit of buying Elderberry Extract along with my Echinacea and Vitamin C when we are feeling under the weather, but Elderberry Extract is expensive! Last year I discovered that it can be easily made at home. And although I thought elderberries would be hard to find, they had them in the bulk section at our main grocery store!

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The syrup can stay in the refrigerator for about two weeks, although I usually freeze mine in 1 oz cubes and add one a large glass of water along with 3oz of Just Cranberry juice and 3oz of just Pomegranate juice. I take it almost every day for cold prevention and sometimes double up my dose if I feel sick.

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*For Lulu (18 months) I’ll add a couple drops to her water once a day. For Gigi I add about 1/2 teaspoon to a small glass of water. I feel comfortable giving this syrup to my kids because I know exactly what’s in it, but make sure to ask your pediatrician before giving your kids any supplements!

ELDERBERRY EXTRACT

Ingredients.
3/4 cup elderberries
3 tablespoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup honey (preferably raw and local)
4 cups water

Directions.
Combine the water, elderberries, ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half.

Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in the honey until well combined.

For Use.
The syrup can stay in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days, although I usually freeze mine in 1 oz cubes and add one a large glass of water along with 3oz of Just Cranberry juice and 3oz of just Pomegranate juice. I take it almost every day for cold prevention and sometimes double up my dose if I feel sick.

*For Lulu (18 months) I’ll add a couple drops to her water once a day. For Gigi I add about 1/2 teaspoon to a small glass of water. I feel comfortable giving this syrup to my kids because I know exactly what’s in it, but make sure to ask your pediatrician before giving your kids any supplements!

PRINTABLE RECIPE.
ELDERBERRY EXTRACT