Last summer I canned a lot [and I mean A LOT] of blueberries and cherries. This means that this year I have a lot of blueberry and cherry juice left over. Instead of letting it go to waste, I use the juices in this simple syrup recipe. Any berry [or other juice] can be substituted. Juice of choice
Equal part honey
Combine equal parts honey and juice is saucepan and warm over low heat. Cook until combined. Allow to cool and refrigerate in airtight glass jar. I love this syrup on waffles, oatmeal, porridge, and use it in smoothies as well.
It is important to note that by cooking the honey, it is no longer considered raw and will lose some of its beneficial properties. For a more relaxed warming method, simply set a small capped jar filled half way with honey in a bowl of warm water until honey is slightly thinned and more liquid-like. Add juice of choice, cap, and shake vigorously to combine or stir well. Store in refrigerator and use this warming method if wanting a syrup-like consistency.
Note from Tina: I make a [blue] elderberry syrup in the fall to prepare for cold season. Blue elderberries are used as a herbal cold remedy and honey is great for coating sore throats. See Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health for that recipe and more herbal remedies.
4 comments:
Tina-this sounds yummy and would like to try it on pancakes! Yet, I am wondering, where did you get your blueberries, cherries and elderberries from last summer? Were they organic or un-sprayed? I know of a few farms in MI, but always like to know of more...Thanks!
Hey Steph -
I got my blueberries from The Berry Bunch (certified organic) on US-31 between Holland and Grand Haven, elderberries dried from Mountain Rose Herbs, and cherries I think from a really small organic farm by my parents house on 24th Avenue in Conklin. I haven't found wild elderberries yet :)
ok, great I will have to check that cherry place out. In the past, I have gone to a place a bit north in a town called Kaleva, called Calvin's Farm stand, and they had organic cherries. Last years chop those was really short because of the hot weather. Hopefully this year there will be tons :)
I'll try to find out what the name of the stand is and if they are doing cherries this year - will keep you posted!
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