Fall is here and that means Winter is coming. One of my favorite remedies for a cold crisp morning is Elderberry "Shrub" Tea. Elderberries have wonderful immune system building properties and "Shrub" is an age old way of preserving fruits and berries into a beverage using apple cider vinegar and sugar. I prefer honey. Most of you already know the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and honey.

I take as many elderberries as I can find and place them in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Cover them with apple cider vinegar. Organic with the "mother" is best. Cover with a cloth and let sit for a few days to ferment, longer in the refrigerator if you like. Strain the juice and berries through a sieve and cheese cloth to get all the juice. Simmer on the stove with a little honey, raw local is best. I usually use a 1-4 ratio, you can always add more honey to your tea afterwards. Once juice and honey have condensed to a light syrup, pour into sterilized glass jars and store in a cool dark place. When a beverage is desired, use a couple tablespoons added to water or hot water for tea. It soothes the throat, builds the immune system and is very nice when you feel the onset of a cold.