Step 1

Combine all the ingredients except the pears in a large sauce pan.

Step 2

Stir it well and then bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 3

Turn the heat down and simmer the berries for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, peel the pears and rinse them under cold water.

Step 5

After the berries have simmered, add the whole peeled pears and continue to simmer the whole pot for about 30 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the pears from the pot and set them in a clean dish to cool.

Step 7

Pour the elderberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a bowl to catch the liquid.

Step 8

Using the back of a ladle, mash the elderberries, trying to get as much liquid and pulp into the bowl as possible. The seeds and skins can now be composted.

Step 9

Return the liquid to the pot and bring it to a boil. Gently boil the liquid until it is a syrupy consistency, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Taste the syrup and sweeten it with more raw honey as desired.

Step 11

Put the syrup in a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. Use the syrup within a week or freeze it to extend the shelf life.