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Home ยป Recipes ยป main dish

Respect Your Elder-Berries Vinaigrette and Cheese Cups

Published: Jun 4, 2017 ยท Modified: Jun 22, 2024 by Lisa Keys ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 7 Comments

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Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Lisa Keys

Grilled chicken Elderberry salad.

Respect your elder-berries

Retirement? What's that? I have never been so busy in my life. On any given day I am cooking/baking up a storm, baby-sitting my grand-daughter, tending the garden and traveling here or there. I am not complaining, but here is the thing. While my mind still thinks I am 30, the body knows I am double that number. I get a bit tired a bit quicker, but that is not going to stop me. While I always taught my children to respect their elders I just can't believe I am that person now. I will do whatever it takes to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic because I have a sweet grand-daughter who is no longer walking, but running. "Wait for Kiki Annabelle"!

Elderberry jam jars in respect your elder-berries.

Enter elderberries. Recently, I was gifted some elderberry products from Ann & Rodger Lenhardt of Norm's Farm. The information on the web site is fascinating. I didn't know much about elderberries, but in my research learned that Hippocrates (ancient Greek father of medicine) referred to "elders" as his "medicine chest". High in vitamin C, iron, antioxidants and potassium elderberries outshine all those other "super fruits" that seem to have gotten lots of press lately. Not only are the berries nutritious, but they are delicious and come in a variety of supplements, syrups and jams to boost your immune system and good health.

Phyllo cup cheese appetizer with pecan elderberry jam.
cheese cups

I very much enjoyed developing a few recipes with Norm's Farms products. First up is a very simple appetizer (great for those outdoor deck parties y'all are throwing right now) using the most sweet and savory Elderberry Ginger Pecan Jam. I love the crunch contrast of the pecans mixed in with the fruit. Next Thanksgiving skip the cranberry sauce and serve this jam with your roast turkey. You heard it here first.

Phyllo cup cheese appetizer with pecan elderberry jam.

Crispy Cheese Cups and Elderberry Vinaigrette

Lisa Keys
Elderberry can boost your immune system. Try some in these delicious recipes.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 15 pieces
Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ยฝ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1- package 15 count mini fillo shells
  • โ…› teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Normโ€™s Farms Elderberry Ginger Pecan Jam

Vinaigrette

  • ยผ cup Normโ€™s Farms Blueberry Elderberry Preserves
  • ยผ cup canola oil
  • ยผ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce regular or low-sodium
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven 350F.ย ย Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese and pepper until well blended.
  • Remove shells from all packaging.
  • Fill shells with cheese mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes.
  • Remove tray from oven and top each with a small spoonful of jam.
  • Return to oven and bake 1 to 2 more minutes or until heated through.ย 
  • For Vinaigrette:ย Whisk all ingredients until well blended.
  • Drizzle over your favorite salad as a vinaigrette or use as a marinade on fresh chicken and/or pork. I like to marinade meat overnight and grill the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 92IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword blue cheese, elderberry, marinade, phyllo cups, vinaigrette
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Grilled chicken with elderberry vinaigrette.

The next recipe uses Norm's Farms Blueberry Elderberry Preserves. While developing a dessert recipe would have been the obvious choice I decided on another savory one. Plus this vinaigrette does double duty as a salad dressing and marinade taking full advantage of all the greens in my garden and the grill. After all, the weather is so fine right now I'm betting you'd rather be outside enjoying yourself rather than stuck in the kitchen.

Norm's Farms products are sold in many stores across the USA and can also be ordered directly from their web site.

Fresh elderberries.
elderberries from Norm's Farm

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    Citrus Seared Scallops
  • Fried chicken steam bun.
    Sous Vide Fried Chicken

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 3 votes

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    Recipe Rating





  1. Tracy

    June 04, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Yum, yum, yum!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      June 04, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      That's just what Annabelle says

      Reply
  2. Martine Fusco

    June 04, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    Great article and I've got to try these jams...the recipes look amazing. AJ and I biked 50 miles in a charity event today and are home taking Advil and passed out on the couch...so understand your comments!!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      June 04, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      So proud of your biking for charity! Elderberry may replace your advil

      Reply
  3. Sherry Ricci

    June 04, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    5 stars
    Made elderberry jam for the first time last summer. Definitely a different taste. But so great to use what's in your backyard!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      June 04, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      Organic at its best! I bet your jam is delicious

      Reply
  4. Lisa Keys

    December 06, 2023 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    Don't you just love it when there are two easy recipes in one blog post to enjoy.

    Reply

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