Homemade Elderberry Syrup a Natural Remedy for Those Pesky Cold and Flu Viruses

Elderberryrecipe

It’s about that time of year; you know that time when the weather changes and everyone gets  sick. With four kids I dread it! If you ever wanted to know how to lose a month of your life – have four kids that get sick. It is the quickest, sure fire way to lose days on end.

Now that said, I am a total crunchy momma {as most of you know} and I try my hardest to build up our immune systems here to prevent such scenarios from occurring. Every year I seem to add something ‘new‘ to my bag of tricks and this year it is ‘Homemade Elderberry Syrup’! In the past I only used the ‘magic syrup’ to help calm coughs and congestion in my littles – but, that was only until I learned about all the immune boosting properties that these tiny berries had.

Homemade ElderberrySyrup

Elderberries are…

High in Vitamin C {have more vitamin C that oranges in fact}

Very High in Quercitin {an antioxidant}

Are a Natural Anit-Inflamatory {calms those inflamed lungs during coughing spasms something wonderful}

They are antiviral in nature preventing those pesky colds/flu bugs from occurring

So with out further a due – Here is the Recipe I use;

Usage/Dosage;
1/2tsp-1tsp for kids, 1/2Tbsp. – 1 Tbsp. Adults (once daily)
If flu or cold are present use dosage above every 2-3 hours*

*The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. The contents of this web site are not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

Homemade Dairy and Gluten Free Ice Cream

Gluten and Dairy Free Ice Cream, Dessert, Sweets, Treats, Kids, Recipe, Printable

When we first discovered that our kids had a dairy sensitivity it didn’t seem like a big deal- I mean heck, how hard could it possibly be to ‘just‘ stay away from cheese? Ha, boy was I wrong- I will take our family’s gluten issues over dairy any day. Most dairy alternatives are just plain nasty and full of artificial highly processed ingredients.

However, somethings really do taste great dairy free- and this homemade dairy free ice cream is certainly one of those things. There are no artificial ingredients and in our home the end result is a happy child that gets to be just like all the rest.

(For your convenience affiliate links are included-if a purchase is made through these direct links it does help support this blog – no pressure to do so but if you do we thank you!)

Homemade Dairy and Gluten Free Ice Cream

Ingredients;
3 C. Dairy free milk of your choosing (I use 2 c. coconut and 1 c. almond)
1 T. Vanilla
3/4 C.Sugar (this can be adjusted depending on how sweet you want it)
1/2 tsp.  Salt

You will also need; 
An ice cream maker (it is worth its weight in gold for how much you will be saving in the long run on those super pricy little cartons of dairy-free ice cream)

Gluten and Dairy Free Ice Cream, Dessert, Sweets, Treats, Kids, Recipe, PrintableDirections; 
Add milk, vanilla, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk or using an electric mixer blend until sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Carefully pour blended mixture into the ice cream bucket and churn until it has reached its desired thickness (ours takes about 20 minutes)

Place in a lid covered container and store for later use. I typically make a batch and let it sit in the freezer for a bit before serving to let it thicken/harden as the immediate product is typically quite soft. 

Top with your favorite toppings; chocolate, berry sauce, dye free sprinkles, or fresh berries. Serve and enjoy!
Printable Recipe

Homestead Berry Sauce Recipe

food, dairy free, dye free, gluten free, organic, garden, berries


If you have never made your own berry sauce you are missing out. Making your own berry sauce takes only minutes and has countless uses- be sure to let me know if you try it. I love hearing from you. 

(For your convenience affiliate links are included-if a purchase is made through these direct links it does help support this blog – no pressure to do so but if you do we thank you!)

Berry Sauce

Ingredients;

3/4 cup of berries
1/4 cup of water (if berries are frozen I add less)
2 T. of honey (may add more or less..depends on your desired sweetness )
food, dairy free, dye free, gluten free, organic, garden, berries, myhappyhomesteadDirections; 
Combine berries and water over a low medium heat. 
Simmer 5-10 minutes until berries are soft. If your berries are frozen like mine usually are it may take a bit longer to heat through.  
Add desired amount of honey to prepared berries. Purée using an immersion blender or blender. 
Add berry sauce to your morning pancakes, waffles, or snow cones. Place remaining syrup in a sealed container or mason jar for later use- refrigerate.

Printable Recipe