Why Eat Bugs When You Can Drink Flowers?

While living in England, elderflower cordial and presse were my most favorite non-alcoholic beverage discovery. It is the most refreshing drink on a hot day. Elderflower Cordial is a soft drink made largely from a sugar and water solution and uses the flowers of the elderflower. Presse is the pre-mixed, bottled version made with sparkling water. The most popular companies that I'm aware of that make elderflower cordial and presse are Bottle Green Company, Belvoir Fruit Farms, and Duchy Originals (set up by Charles, Prince of Wales).

My heart was filled with gladness when I spotted Belvoir Elderflower Presse in World Market for $3.99!!! This was super exciting as we had just found it at a newer local market for $6.99 (shame on them!). It got even better as when we went to pay it came up as $3 - on sale. I heart World Market!!!
I love floral flavored foods and drinks, but Elderflower has a much more subtle flavor than rose, violet, and lavender products. It's like sunshine in a bottle.
If it says it in the bottle, it must be true...

... then you look at the ingredients, and it is indeed 100% good!

You can actually make Elderflower Cordial. Here is a link to a recipe, along with a few serving suggestions: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/516164

Gardening: Some of My Roses

This bush is on the side of my house and is probably my fullest bush. It blooms in clusters, which are absolutely gorgeous when cut and in my favorite vintage mustard jar with a sprig of rosemary.

This is on the side of my house, which is the best place for my roses as it get the most sun. It requires little maintenance, and produces these large, lovely scented, vividly-colored roses.

This is one of my favorites and grows like crazy. The scent isn't very strong, but it is a very bushy, hardy plant.

Sadly, this one is gone. It had the strongest, most divine scent.

This one took it's place, but isn't doing too well at the moment. J trimmed it down last weekend and we're giving it lots of TLC. Watch this space...