This evening I walked down along the railroad tracks near my house and picked elderberries. I filled a gallon ice cream container, but much of that mass was stems. Picking elderberries is extremely easy, like picking flowers. There aren't even any pesky thorns with which to contend.

The next step, however, is a major pain. All those tiny little berries had to be pulled of the stems, and without leaving behind any tiny twigs or stick. It was tedious to the Nth degree.

When all was said and done, I had 2 cups of crushed berries with which to make jam. I had to cut the recipe down to: 2 cups crushed berries, 1.5 cups sugar, and .6 cup vinegar.

I think it went well. I was a little bit unsure if I was cooking it too much or not enough while waiting for it to thicken. I will taste test it tomorrow morning, after it has had a chance to thoroughly cool (and I'm in the mood for jam).

Between the black raspberries and the elderberries, I'm becoming quite the forager. I may have to go look for some wild grapes next. They're everywhere around here.