A Long-Overdue Pour of Patience
Dawn's Simple Life

 Straining My Homemade Extracts

It’s been well over a year—maybe two if I’m being honest—since I nestled those jars of vodka and summer’s bounty into a dark pantry corner and let time do its thing. Blueberry. Raspberry. Strawberry. Lemon. Orange. Elderberry. Lilac. Cherry.


And finally, I got around to straining them.


Opening each jar was like releasing a memory. The raspberry and strawberry? Absolutely divine. Sweet, fragrant, and bursting with flavour. They’ve completely stolen my heart, and I already know they’ll be tucked into everything from baking to tea.


The citrus extracts—lemon and orange—are bright and zesty. Elderberry is rich and grounding, and the lilac surprised me with its soft, elegant floral notes. And cherry… oh, cherry might be the sleeper hit of the bunch—sweet, deep, and a little sassy.


Of course, I couldn’t let the vodka-soaked berries go to waste. I popped them in the dehydrator to see what they’d turn into. My fiancé, who loves blueberries, popped one in his mouth without a second thought—and oof! The vodka zing caught him right off guard. I got such a chuckle from his surprised face! “That’s not just a blueberry!” he said, eyes wide. Nope… that’s a grown-up blueberry!


And as if that wasn’t enough kitchen fun, I spent a couple hours the other day collecting the fleeting blooms of lilacs. I snipped wild mint too—both growing in full glory. I sat down and gently picked each lilac bloom one by one, infusing them into sugar for a delicately floral treat. I did the same with the mint for a fresh, cooling twist.


These infused sugars are such a lovely addition to a homestead kitchen. They’re beautiful stirred into tea, added to baking recipes, or used to make simple syrups for cocktails, mocktails, or a splash of fancy in homemade lemonades.


I’ve got lilac bundles hanging all over the kitchen to dry, and the smell… oh my stars. It’s like being hugged by spring herself. The kitchen feels alive.


And since we’re already soaking, straining, drying, and infusing—I figured now’s the perfect time to share one of my favourite little homestead recipes:


🌿 Homemade Vanilla Extract


You’ll need:

  • 5–6 whole vanilla beans
  • 1 cup vodka (or bourbon for a warmer flavour)
  • A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid


Instructions:

  1. Slice each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about ½ inch attached at the top. This exposes the seeds but keeps the beans together.
  2. Place them in your jar.
  3. Pour in the vodka, fully covering the beans.
  4. Seal the jar and give it a gentle shake.
  5. Store in a cool, dark place. Shake it every week or so.
  6. Let it infuse for at least 2 months, but longer is better. 6–12 months will give you deep, rich vanilla gold.


Once it’s ready, you can top it up with more vodka as you use it—those beans have lots of love to give.


These little moments—the quiet hours of snipping blooms, the surprised blueberry zing, the scents of lilac filling the house—they’re what make this life so rich. Not perfect, not polished, just real.


So here’s your nudge: strain the jars, gather the blossoms, make the sugar, and take joy in the simple magic of it all.


🌿 Plant seeds of kindness, water them with love, and watch your life grow beautifully simple.


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Surviving the Back-to-School Cold with a Little Help from Elderberry Syrup

September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!

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