The ultimate guide to La Plagne elderflower recipes (2024)

In the La Plagne area, you can find elderflowers growing in the valleys and along the Isere River. I haven’t been able to find elderflowers growing in the mountains (yet!). There is a large tree on the hairpin bends on the way up to La Plagne, near bend 18, but I try not to pick the flowers on the side of the road like this.

Look for elderberry bushes or trees near the riverbanks. Elderflowers like the moist soil and water from the rivers. The best time to find them is in late spring to early summer when they bloom. In La Plagne and the Tarentaise region, the elderflower is in bloom from late May to the end of June.

If you're unsure where to find them, ask local people who know about foraging or gardening. They can help you find the right spots. Enjoy exploring the beautiful valleys and riverbanks of the wider La Plagne region while searching for these lovely flowers for your cooking or crafts.

Before using the elderflowers to make your cordial, it's important to remove any insects or debris that may be present. I don’t like to overhandle the elderflowers because they are fragile, and it knocks off too much of the pollen and flavour! So I lay the elderflowers out on a baking tray and leave them outside overnight to let any bugs creep away!

If you want to clean them quicker, gently shake the flowers to dislodge any insects, and carefully inspect each blossom to ensure it is clean. You can also give the flowers a quick rinse under cold water if needed.

Be sure to remove any stems or leaves that may have been picked along with the flowers. By taking the time to clean the elderflowers, you'll ensure that your cordial is pure and free from any unwanted additions.

Add the sugar and water together – you will need a bigger pot than you think. Heat the sugar and water, use a medium temperature, you don’t need it to boil. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is all dissolved. Then switch off the heat and let the sugar syrup cool.

Also, try not to be too horrified at how much sugar the recipe needs. As much as I love elderflower cordials, I was pretty shocked to realise how much sugar is in syrups and cordials!

Once you have cleaned your elderflowers and the sugar syrup has cooled, it's time to combine them with the other ingredients to create your delicious cordial. In the large pot, add the elderflowers, sugar, water, and sliced lemons.

For the lemons, I chop them into quarters, squeeze the juice into the pot and then add the lemon quarters too. I like the extra lemon flavour combined with the elderflower.

Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the sugar and the flavours begin to infuse. Leave the flavours to combine for 24 hours. I go and mash the flavours together regularly with my hands – but it’s very sticky! So I use a potato masher.

Once the 24 hours are up, the process is complete, it's time to strain the liquid to remove the elderflowers and any impurities. This step is important to ensure a smooth and clear elderflower cordial. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or jug. I use an old baby muslin cloth over a colander and strain the cordial from one pot to another. This also means you can squeeze out the muslin with the lemons and elderflower inside, getting all that extra flavour for your cordial.

Discard the flowers and any other debris caught in the strainer. The resulting liquid should be a beautiful, golden colour, ready to be bottled and enjoyed.

Before using glass bottles to store any homemade beverages like elderflower cordial, it is essential to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.I do this using Milton, a popular disinfectant widely used for sterilising baby equipment. In this subsection, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of disinfecting glass bottles with Milton to ensure the safety and longevity of your elderflower cordial.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To begin, gather the following materials:

• Glass bottles: Choose glass bottles with airtight lids that are suitable for storing beverages.
• Milton disinfectant solution: Purchase Milton, a brand of sterilising solution available at most pharmacies or online.
• Warm water: You'll need warm water to create a dilution of the Milton solution.

Step 2: Prepare the Milton Solution

• Follow the instructions provided on the Milton bottle to prepare the disinfectant solution. Generally, the recommended dilution ratio for sterilising baby equipment is 1:50, meaning 1 part Milton solution to 50 parts water. Pour the appropriate amount of Milton into a clean container and add warm water accordingly.

Step 3: Disassemble and Wash the Glass Bottles

• Take apart any removable components of the glass bottles, such as lids, caps, and seals. Thoroughly wash these parts with warm soapy water to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse them well and set them aside.

Congratulations!

You have now mastered the art of making homemade elderflower cordial. By following this simple recipe, you can create a refreshing and aromatic beverage that captures the essence of the beautiful elderflower blossoms. Whether you gather elderflowers from your own garden or venture into La Plagne to forage for them, the result will be a delightful cordial that can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into co*cktails, or used to flavour desserts and baked goods. I’ve used this cordial to make lemon and elderflower cakes, biscuits and, of course, Hugo Spritz!

With its sweet floral notes and versatile nature, elderflower cordial is a true delight for your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the delicate scent of elderflowers, and savour the joy of crafting your very own batch of elderflower cordial.

Cheers to a delightful, homemade treat that will impress family and friends alike!