Elderflower Syrup
A Scrumptious Summer Staple!
I draw my greatest inspiration from my family and from listening to and playing music.
The love and support of my family motivate me to give them my best and to set a positive example for them.
I am determined to make a lasting impact using the lessons I have learned in life.
Not a day goes by without me playing or listening to music.
I spent my twenties touring with a band and my early thirties building instruments. I've recently started taking piano lessons, and even though I'm a complete beginner, I feel good challenging myself and my mind.
There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not playing music in my shop or in my car running errands. In the past two years, I have created over 300 playlists, and my taste in music is broad and diverse. You can listen to some of them by following me on Spotify.
Immersed in a symphony of melodies, I find inspiration for my art. Music weaves its way through my creative process, setting the tone for each hammer stroke and layer of steel.
My goal is to create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also purposeful and impactful. I have been given the opportunity to create custom knives that inspire and innovate.
My family has told me that I am an innovator and a visionary.
I believe that embracing innovation opens you up to vulnerability. On one hand, you are tapping into a powerful energy that propels you onto your own unique path.
Yet, at the same time, it requires you to be bold and daring in pursuing your goals and vision, leaving you exposed and vulnerable.
And what if you fall short? You face the prospect of failing for all to see.
Lately, I have been prototyping many new products. At Blade Show Atlanta, my all-new yanigaba-style 10” Damascus steel slicer received a lot of positive feedback and generated buzz. Another product that sold out quickly was my walnut and bronze AEBL stainless steel spatula.
Stay tuned for more updates on that in the next couple of weeks…
With this elderflower syrup recipe, I attempted to capture the effervescence of summer.
Crafted from delicate elderflower heads and demerara sugar, this syrup is elevated with a touch of citric acid and a splash of fresh lemon juice.
For an extra twist, I like to infuse it with aromatic strawberry leaves or refreshing mint leaves.
The finished elderflower syrup is perfect for adding a sweet, floral note to sparkling water or crafting sophisticated cocktails. This syrup is your ticket to a taste sensation that captures the essence of a sun-drenched garden in full bloom.
Primeaux Elderflower Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
20-30 heads of elderflowers
2 cups boiling water
3 cups demerara sugar (you can use turbinado or white sugar, as well)
1 teaspoon citric acid
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional: a handful of strawberry leaves or mint leaves
Preparation:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pan.
Add 3 cups of demerara sugar and stir until fully dissolved (about a minute).
Add the elderflowers, citric acid, lemon juice, and your choice of strawberry leaves or mint leaves to the pan.
Heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring regularly to extract the flavor.
Strain the mixture through a sieve or muslin cloth to remove any bits.
Pour the syrup into a bottle with a fastening lid.
I enjoy adding it to some sparkling water or a cocktail, and my personal favorite is using it to create a unique twist on a classic gin fizz.
I have been dedicating a lot of time and effort to getting everything ready for Porter Flea Nashville, which will be taking place this weekend at the Nashville Fairgrounds. If you're planning on attending, please feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I would love to connect with anyone who will be there!
I've been enjoying this podcast I discovered that features some hidden gems of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band:
Dead Air with Uncle John: Episode #953: 1972-05-25 The Strand Lyceum in London
Here are some Fordite Handles I made recently:
Here is what the state of my computer desktop looks to give you an idea on my digital workflow:
Over the past few weeks, I've been caught up in a whirlwind.
I've been fully immersed in providing sharpening services, putting in a tremendous amount of work for Blade Show Atlanta, and gearing up for the upcoming Porter Flea event this weekend. Additionally, I'm excited about the huge newsletter sale happening next week.
People have often asked me, “John, how do you stay so calm while working so hard?”
Well, here is a quick list on how I stay calm without life-hacking:
Overthinking—>Write a list.
Uninspired—>Read or Listen to an Audiobook.
Scared—>Take a Risk.
Stuck—>Walk or Work out.
Tired—>Sleep or Meditate.
Confused—>Ask.
Frustrated—>Move my body.
Burned out—>Remind myself of all the gifts in my life and give gratitude.
Impatient—>Review progress and how far I’ve come.
Unmotivated—>Remember my "why" (As I mentioned before, my "why" is my family - my son, partner, and chosen family of amazing friends and artists).
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead!
I love how you shared tips on how you stay calm while working so hard! Physical movement helps me release tension and frustration, making it easier to tackle challenges. Practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded and appreciate the positive aspects of my life, even during stressful times. This was a great read. A recipe *and* helpful advice!! This is my favorite substack!!