Black Elderberry Syrup is a wellness routine must for many, especially in the colder months. But did you know you can also use it in the kitchen? Here are three delicious and good-for-you recipes featuring the seasonal staple. They pack a flavor punch thanks to the berries' sweetness and tartness and can help you stay feeling well to boot.* To preserve the syrup's immune-supporting properties, we've added it after cooking in all of the warm dishes.*
Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Balls
Makes 16 balls
For anyone who nostalgically remembers pulling PB&J sandwiches out of elementary school lunchboxes, peanut butter and grape jelly is a classic taste combination. Many people think Elderberry tastes a bit like grapes, so we decided to pair these tastes again in a wholesome no-bake cookie recipe. With only three ingredients, they're a snap to make. And they're healthy enough to eat for breakfast, if you'd like.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup Black Elderberry Syrup
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into 16 balls.
- Enjoy!
Baked Brie with Black Elderberry Syrup
Serves 12 (as an appetizer)
Warm brie is a comforting appetizer on a cool autumn day. You can also add a green salad, butternut squash soup, and some crusty whole-grain bread or crackers and serve it for a delicious cool-weather supper.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) round of brie
- 2 tbsp Black Elderberry Syrup
- Fresh fruit of your choice (grapes, sliced apples, and/or sliced pear)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place brie on an oven-safe dish.
- Bake 10 minutes, until softened.
- Cut in half and then bake another 2 minutes until gooey but not completely melted.
- Transfer to a cool plate, arrange fruit around the brie, drizzle with Elderberry Syrup.
Baked Apples with Black Elderberry Syrup
Serves 4
When you want a dessert that's naturally sweet without too much added sugar, it's hard to beat baked apples. The baking process brings out the apples' natural sweetness. Plus, when the apples are baking in your oven, your kitchen will smell heavenly. Choose a sturdy variety of apple that will stand up to the oven's heat without collapsing (Empire, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Rome, or Braeburn).
Ingredients
- 4 large baking apples (see above)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- Black Elderberry Syrup
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Core the apples, leaving some flesh (at least ½ inch) on the bottoms.
- Stuff with the mixture of brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, nuts. and dried fruit.
- Place a pat of butter on the top of each apple.
- Pour the boiling water into the bottom of a baking dish and add the apples.
- Cover the apples with foil and bake for for 30 to 45 minutes, until the apples are cooked through and tender, but not overcooked and mushy.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
- When slightly cooled, drizzle Elderberry Syrup over the apples.
What else can you do with Black Elderberry Syrup?
- Blend it into plain whole-milk yogurt (or your favorite non-dairy option). You can then use the yogurt to make smoothies or freezer pops, or just eat it with a little granola.
- Drizzle it onto warm oatmeal instead of honey or maple syrup.
- Mix it into seltzer to make Black Elderberry soda.
- Try it in your iced tea for a delicious and flavorful addition.
- Substitute it for liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in your favorite recipes.