Boot Straps

So, regardless of my desire to curl up in a ball somewhere and feel sorry for myself, there is much to be done. Our camp is buzzing with activity. In this picture you can see several projects going on at once. We made 2 1/2 gallons of elderberry syrup for flu season, dehydrated squash and tomatoes to put in soups this winter (wherever we are), and made several batches of my green tomato salsa.




Elderberry Syrup (my version)

Wash elderberries and pluck off stems. Put in crock pot and just cover with water. Leave on "warm" and NO HOTTER overnight. Strain through cheesecloth and a strainer, then mash berries with a jar of water to get the rest of the juice out. Pour 2 cups each into quart jars and add 2 cups sugar each (I know honey is better, but I don't have that much honey right now) and then add 1/2 cup vodka. Mix vigorously. I like the plastic lids for this as they don't rust or fall of when you open it. Store in a dark, cool place. For dosage, we give the kids 1 tsp. every 4 hours. Double for adults.