we heart handmade Elderflower Cordial! x

this time last year I had ambitions of foraging in the gloucestershire fields whilst the elderflower bushes were in bloom and making some cordial ready for the big day... In my mind, I was probably wearing something long and flowing and carrying a wicker basket, or the like..

of course it didn't happen. But I do regret not having bothered- it would have been the perfect compliment to our champagne reception- especially as it's so easy!

I found the below recipe in this month's RED magazine and I was so impressed with how simple and easy it was to get right! my Boden colleagues have even tried my delicious brew (and survived) and can verify that it is infact very drinkable!

ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

25-35 big heads of elderflower blossom

1kg caster sugar

50g citric acid (from pharmacists but apparently not Boots..)

3 lemons, thinly sliced

you will need:

a large bowl ideally with a lid to cover (a jam pan would be ideal), sieve, small square of muslin, a range of glass bottles adding up to 1.5ltrs and tags (i used brown kraft parcel tags)

1. tap the blossoms to remove any stubborn insects.

remove the long stems and leaves. Put the sugar in a large bowl and pour in 1.5ltrs of boiling water. Stir to dissolve sugar, cover and allow to cool completely.

Stir in the citric acid, followed by the flowerheads and lemon slices. Cover and leave in a cool, dark place.

2.Leave to steep for between 24-48 hours (I left my batch for 48 hours). The longer it is left, the stronger the flavour and colour will be.

Put a muslin lined sieve over a large bowl and strain the liquid through to catch all the bits. You may need to do this in two stages, transferring some of the cordial to a jug as it drains before leaving to drain further.
3. 3. Sterilise some glass bottles. Set the oven to 100c/200f/gas mark1/2. Stand the bottles in the sink and fill with boiling water. Hold with a cloth, tip out the water, then out the sides in the oven. Leave for 15 minutes. Turn off oven. When cold, stand bottles on a tea towel, so they don't slip. Using a funnel, fill each one with cordial.

4. To drink, dilute with plain or fizzy water, or add to some bubbles!
As a desert, poach fresh gooseberries in a few tablespoons of cordial, or simply spoon over vanilla ice cream.
To add to it's multiple uses..
...it works as a vinaigrette too. Mix with wine vinegar, mustard, salt pepper and olive oil and pour over a salad of cougettes, lettuce and broad beans.

I promise you, this is so simple and yields (obviously if you look at the recipe) around 1.5litres. whilst the blossoms are out, it is so worth taking little time to do this, especially if you have a summer party or wedding coming up... and it looks quite impressive!

or add a handmade tag, and pass on to friends as gifts.x

we heart some good cookery book suggestions! x

it seems that in the past 3 weeks, I've aquired 3 new cookery books... perhaps it's that my first year anniversary is coming up and I should be playing the good-wifey part?! (I'm not all that willing when it comes to cooking to be honest- Mr A does the lion's share...)

not to say that I don't enjoy cooking but after a long day at work, I just can't be bothered. which is lazy I know, I know..

and actually, I'm much more likely to be baking than cooking..

..which brings me to my first purchase:

I can't begin to rave more about the Peyton & Byrne British Baking book- buy it! It's a baking bible!

this is one of those books that your mother or grandmother had on her shelf in the larder and constantly referred to time after time. I can just see myself using this as the best reference cookery/bakery book for years to come!

and the pictures are just so prettily mouth watering...



I first came across Peyton & Byrne during my final years at college when the candy-coloured cupcakes from the Tottenham Court Road store (sandwiched between Heals & Habitat) always distracted me from my trips to Paperchase, a few stores down!

I now love to visit The Inn in The Park in St James' Park, although it's pretty difficult to avoid the ever-present tourists!

my second amazon purchase of May was Gwyneth Paltrow's latest foray into the cooking world

Notes From My Kitchen Table.

I'm sure many of you will be familiar with Gwyneth P's regular blog GOOP (which I myself subscribe to) so you'll be familiar with her 'style' of writing..

I have to be honest here, I was not a huge fan. I have, in the past, found her posts a little 'removed' from reality, often quite pompous and then at other times I've found her to be spot on...

and this is quite how I find her (personally) as an actress. I've never really connected with her, and then just recently (in Glee of all things!) Ms P suddenly turned on me and became all funny and witty like and suddenly I quite liked her!

which then prompted me to buy this book. and I'm actually glad I did!

short of some rather smug quotes, I've been really happy with the recipes in the book. they're all incredibly easy, healthy (which is a massive tick in our household) and kind of a good reminder to eat seasonally and organically where possible. I did think it would be pretentious (and some of the quotes are a little..) but it is just very 'accessable' to everyone.

in the week I've had it, I have used the book for every evening meal!

and I do rather like a bit of simple rustic styling...

my final cookery book this month found me at a local car boot sale for the bargain price of £3! Elizabeth Craig's COOKERY ILLUSTRATED AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT was, in 1936, an encyclopedia for all wives (let's be honest- this is not an oversight in being politically correct- it definitely was aimed at the women of the house, not the men) and became an essential for many homes. the lovely lady who sold it to me said her mother had a copy which was still in use today!

the illustrations/photographs have been so beautifully drawn and painted and in such bright colours. I'm surprised they have remained so intact!

I can kind of imagine that the Queen Mother would have had her breakfast served to her just like this!



I will definitely be trying some of the recipes- perhaps when I have some leftovers and need a bit of inspiration. I'll post photos if and when I manage to do this!