Elderberry Lollipops
These elderberry lollipops are delicious and the perfect thing for a dry, hot throat, and hoarse cough. Makes approximately two dozen immune stimulating, soothing lollipops.
- 2½ cups water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blue or black elderberries or ½ cup dried
- ¼ cup marshmallow root
- ¼ cup wild cherry bark
- 2 cups organic cane sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to prevent crystalline texture
- corn starch powdered sugar or slippery elm root for dusting
Gently simmer water, elderberries, marshmallow, and wild cherry bark for approximately 20 minutes. Strain away solids and discard. The resulting liquid should measure two cups exactly; adjust accordingly.
In a 4 quart saucepan, combine warm elderberry liquid with sugar and cream of tartar.
Over medium high heat, bring mixture to a gentle boil. DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED. Continue boiling until hard crack stage is achieved, about 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. (Some candy makers advise not stirring during this time, however, I have not experienced any seed crystallization issues using a wood handled silicone spatula)
Pour into molds pre-prepared with lollipop sticks. You may need to press the sticks firmly into place and/or roll them slightly to ensure the stick stay in the center of the lollipop. Cool until set; about 30 minutes. Dust with preferred ingredient and store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Saucepan and tools are easily cleaned of residual candy with the use of boiling water.