Elderberry Syrup with Vanilla and Cloves. Recipe for Immune System Boost!

I decided to make a small batch to test a new recipe for elderberry syrup. It turned out great. I spiced it with a hint of cloves and vanilla, and now we have a super potent, completely natural immune booster to protect us from the flu and colds this season. I pour a little bit in a glass and fill it up with sparkling water for a refreshing dinner libation. 

Here's the recipe:

ELDERBERRY SYRUP WITH CLOVES AND VANILLA

400 grams (14 oz) elderberries, cleaned from twigs

1/2 apple

1 dl (1/2 shy cup) water

3 cloves

1.2 dl (1/2 cup) sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix berries, apples (cut into large chunks), water and cloves in a sauce pan. Slowly bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20 min.

When the berries have released their liquids, pour the mixture into a juice strainer positioned over a pot, or a strainer covered in a couple of layers of cheese cloth. Let it sit for a few hours. Do not push on the berries - let gravity do the work.

Pour the juice back into the sauce pan, add sugar and lemon juice and let the syrup come to a boil. Make sure that all the sugar is dissolved and discard the foam (if any) on top of the syrup. Add vanilla and stir.

Pour into perfectly clean and dry bottles and seal. You can also let the syrup cool, pour it into a container, and freeze it. Depending on how much sugar you use, you can freeze in ice cube trays and use as needed. If you use a lot of sugar the mixture will not freeze. If you want the syrup to last longer, use a larger amount of sugar.

Voila, and enjoy!

Also, check out my Etsy shop if you fancy:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/cloudberryandmoss