A Not-So-Commonly Known Berry -- The Elderberry

Since I've been on holidays this week I decided to visit a few other markets that I don't always have the time to visit otherwise. One such market is the St. Jacobs Farmer's Market just outside of Waterloo. They are open on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year. Be warned, however, that even on a Thursday they are extremely busy.

I was able to find a few goodies to bring home with me but I'm always looking so something new or different that I haven't tried before. This time around I found some elderberries. After a bit of research online I now know that elderberries are chock full of nutritional benefits. For one, they have anti-viral properties and can activate the immune cells that help the body fight off viruses; viruses like the flu (see: http://www.xomba.com/wonderful_health_benefits_elderberry) . This may be a good time to start eating your berries with the flu season expected to be a bad one this year.

Here's a great recipe that I used with the elderberries -- Oatmeal Bake

2 cups oatmeal2 cups milk1/2 tsp vanilla1/2 cup slivered almonds1/2 cup to 3/4 cup dried fruit -- I used fresh elderberries this time1 unpeeled apple cut into small chunks4 tbsp maple syrupsprinkle of cinnamonPreheat your oven to 400. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and then place mixtuer into a casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

I wasn't able to take a picture of this one today but here is a picture of one that I made with dried cranberries....Tomorrow I'll use the remaining berries to make an elderberry syrup to pour onto our pancakes! Yum!