It wasn’t quite as smooth as I envisaged, it wasn’t like I could grab the berries as I cycled past; that would have been a bit too suave. Elderberries seem to grow just beyond my reach and there is always a little danger involved when picking; will you fall in the ditch, slip in the mud or even lose a welly. This most recent expedition resulted in me being attacked by some stinging nettles, swearing rather loudly and then just a few moments later kicking my bicycle stand into my own foot.
Despite the mishaps, discomfort and wasps trying to fly up my nose I managed to procure a nice selection of ripe elderberries. At the weekend I had bought some apples wonderfully entitled Peasgood’s Nonsuch as I had heard they are a fantastic cooking apple. Now seemed like the perfect time to find out.
You will need (for four turnovers):
After watching the recent Great British Bake Off where they made rough puff pastry I asked my Granny how to make it. She said to put the butter into the freezer for half an hour or so and then grate it into the flour. So using the half fat to flour as for normal pastry I tried it. It looks a bit like you have grated a load of cheese into the bowl of flour. I worked it in with a blunt knife but didn’t take it quite to the breadcrumb stage. When it’s all grated in add drops of cold water until you have a firm dough. Put into the fridge for half an hour. If you’ve not tried making rough puff before it is so simple I can’t recommend it enough.
Peel the apples and chop them into small-ish chunks. Put them into a pan with a little sugar and water and cook on medium until they start to soften. While the apples cook, remove the elderberries from their stalks by running your fingers down them away from the main stalk. Best to give them a wash before you put them in just in case there’s anything clinging on. Add these to the apples just as the apples are getting soft so that the berries burst and colour the apples a wonderful cerise. Turn the heat off and allow to cool while you sort out the pastry.
Remove the pastry from the fridge and divide into four. Roll each one out on a floured surface until it’s roughly circular. Put some of the apple mixture into the middle and then fold the pastry over the top to make a turnover. Seal the edges with some firm pinching, put a few slits in the top of the pastry and then brush with the beaten egg. Put into the oven at 190C for 35-40 minutes. I would advise putting them onto some greaseproof paper in case the sugary juices leak out and render them immovably adhered to your baking tray. Dust with a little sugar while they are still warm.
It’s very difficult to resist a freshly baked anything, even more so when you’ve used an ingredient you’re yet to taste. I tucked in to one straight out of the oven with some clotted cream. It made the bruised foot and stung arm disappear instantly with its warmth, sweetness and cool, soothing cream. Peasgood’s are indeed a marvellous cooking apple keeping their shape and flavour throughout cooking. The elderberries were like tiny purple jewels nestled amongst the apple and pastry giving a wonderful tartness and distinct flavour.
This is a truly wonderful combination. I’m sure it would be lovely with bramleys but the Peasgood’s really gave it something extra. The elderberries seem to convince you that everything is ok; because they have that wonderful elderflower flavour you almost feel like it’s spring again. Next time I make them I will wait until the evenings are cooler and I can fill the house with wonderful aromas before tucking myself in and tucking in to another one of these glorious turnovers.
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I always wondered wether these berries were edible, and what could be there use. This look sreally delicious!
god these are stunning and I have bucket loads of elderberries, everywhere around here… I love the turnover idea, that’s superb!
The pastry recipe makes excellent Mince Pies too:)
The juices from the elderberries look wonderful – I can smell these turnovers cooking now.
These look abolutely delicious! Wishing I had some elderberries around now, would love to give making these a go.
I have missed the whole elderberry season this year but must go and see if I can find some next weekend, this looks delicious!
this is so yummy. A very nice recipes. I like the photos on this post too.
I’m impressed. I’m not sure I’d recognize these berries even they slap me in the face…if these turnovers passed me, however….
Elderberries are so gorgeous… This is such a beautiful turnover.
i just love reading your posts, and i can totally imagine biting into one of these pastries! they sound incredible!
These look delicious for a tea break, Caroline. Thanks for showing the pictures of elderberry, I have never seen them in real life before. I feed my kids its syrup though as its believed to have lots of anti viral properties. It’s great to have fresh ones to bake with.
i wonder how do elderberries taste like, i hvnt seen them here before but i’m impreseed that you’re making your own puff pastry! hope your arms and bruises get much better after eating these turnovers!
They look like black currants…the turnover looks beautiful.
Oh these look fab. You’ve inspired me to make rough puff too! I’m going picking this week with my sister and our kids so we’ll see what treasure we unearth. Olympic sport – Victoria Pendleton or Chris Hoy pick/riding? Winner has the heaviest bike basket and least damaged fruit!?
I haven’t had elderberries for ages! When I was a kid I was just picking them and eating and them walking with a purple mouth and face :)))
I really want to try elderberries now, preferably in your delicious turnover 😀
Cheers
CCU
Thise turnovers sounds yummy, the eldberries are my new challenge, can find some before the season ends? I laugh out loud when I read your bycicle adventures. Ciao
Those turnovers are mouthwatering!!!
I hope the elderberries are still out when I’m back from holiday in 2 weeks – love ’em, and these turnovers sound like a great way to use them.
Startling how many commenters don’t think they’ve ever seen an elderberry. You really can’t travel for more than a couple of miles *anywhere* in the countryside without passing some!
(btw, Delia has a brilliant recipe for tiny mince pies that uses the quick flaky pastry recipe – I make them every year)
Wow, I love your easy version of puff pastry…it looks AMAZING!!! Thank your Granny for me 🙂 And berries plus apples sounds truly delish…such fabulous turnovers!
Wow! I don’t even know elderberries till now! Saw some near my place will rush over to get some now! These turnovers look so yummilicious! 🙂
These look great … Happy Sunday 🙂
Hello, I haven’t made the rough puff yet but I have linked this to a post on my blog, I hope you don’t mind! Cheers