Introduction: Immunity-Boosting Frozen Elderberry Drops

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About: I enjoy crafting, photography, gardening and cooking. I am an avid cooking contester and I have won several national contests.

Several years ago I bought 2 elderberry plants to grow on the side of my house. I knew nothing about them. I figured they were like blueberries or raspberries. They finally produced berries this past summer. I then found out that the seeds can cause a stomach ache if you eat them but if you make juice, you can make a syrup that is very good for your immune system. I froze 2 big bags of the berries. I was inspired to finally make something with them. Here is my recipe for Frozen Elderberry Drops! They are a tasty treat that is very healthy too!

Step 1: Start With Fresh Elderberries

Here are photos from September, 2020 of my elderberries in my yard and after I picked them. I froze 2 big bags of berries.

Step 2: Supplies

saucepan with a lid

candy molds (I used teaspoon-size jelly bean shape molds)

strainer

3 cup glass bowl

wooden spoon

Step 3: Ingredients

3 1/2 cups water

1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen elderberries

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 cup honey

Step 4: The Water

Pour the water into a medium saucepan.

Step 5: Add Berries and Spices

Add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 6: Cook the Mixture

Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 1 hour.

Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Mash the Berries

Pour the liquid through the strainer into the bowl. Mash the berries with a wooden spoon.

Step 8: Cool and Add the Honey

Discard the elderberry pulp. Let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
Add the honey and stir well.

Step 9: You Made Elderberry Syrup!

When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into jars. Store it in the refrigerator and take a teaspoon daily for its immune boosting properties.

Step 10: Now Make Frozen Elderberry Drops

Spoon the elderberry syrup into teaspoon-sized molds. Place flat in the freezer. When frozen, pop out each one into a container.

Step 11: Enjoy Them!

These drops make for a refreshing little treat that you can look forward to daily. They are so good for you too!