Elderberry Maple Syrup

We had so many elderberries is seemed ridiculous to make it all into jams and jellies…so we tried something totally new for us.  SYRUP!!!

Using our forged elderberries found in plentiful supply throughout the backroads of Muskoka and our Maple Syrup made here on property this spring we came up with what we think will be a classic.  ELDERBERRY MAPLE SYRUP.

OUR RECIPE FOR ELDERBERRY MAPLE SYRUP:

• 9 cups elderberries
• SPICEBALL that consists of 1/2 cinnamon stick broken in pieces, 3 cloves, 1 star anise, zest of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 whole nutmeg berry, 2 whole all spice berries
• 1/2 cup Rum (we used Ron Anejo Pamero but any rum will do OR it can also be omitted)

1. Place elderberries in a stainless steel saucepan and simmer on medium-low heat, crushing elderberries as they heat through
2. Add spice ball and continue to simmer until berries are softened approximately 10 minutes
3. Remove spiceball and place elderberries and liquid in a jelly bag and let drip over night
4. Use 4 parts maple syrup to 1 part juice
5. Heat maple syrup in a stainless steel saucepan to 220F
6. Add elderberry juice and return to a boil
7. Boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat
8. Ladle into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4″ headspace
9. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes

Put up Total:

• 1 x 750mL tall vintage jar
• 1 x 500mL regular mason jar
• 2 x 500mL vintage jars
• 1 x 125mL