Blackberry Crush Food

CRUSHED-BLACKBERRY SUNDAES WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare the blackberries: Combine the blackberries, sugar and cassis in a bowl. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then crush with a fork.
• Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce: Combine the cream and vanilla pod and seeds in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat.
• Whisk the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium nonreactive saucepan over high heat. Cook until dark golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and slowly add the vanilla-infused cream (it will splatter), stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Return to the heat and cook until smooth. Remove from the heat, discard the vanilla pod and stir in the butter and salt.
• For each sundae, place a scoop of ice cream in a parfait glass and top with caramel sauce, blackberries and pecans. Repeat 2 more times and top with whipped cream.

BLACKBERRY CRUSH

Steps:

• In a glass, combine blackberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup; lightly crush berries to release their juice. Add ice and vodka; top with seltzer. Stir to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig.

BLACKBERRY BASIL CRUSH

Steps:

• Muddle the blackberries, lime juice, and basil with a wooden spoon into the bottom of a small glass pitcher.
• Divide the berry mixture among 4 glasses and top each glass with 1 tablespoon each agave nectar.
• Top off each glass with ice, and soda water. Stir with a cocktail spoon and enjoy.

BLACKBERRY FOOL

Steps:

• Place the blackberries in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the granulated sugar, then drizzle with the vanilla. Toss lightly to evenly coat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, then mash the blackberries until they release their juices and form a thick pulp.
• Combine the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar in another medium bowl. Use an electric stand or hand mixer or whisk to whip the cream to medium peaks. (When you lift the beater or whisk, the cream should hold a peak for a moment.)
• Pour the berry mixture over the cream and use a rubber spatula to gently fold until combined. You can leave streaks of the berry mixture or completely incorporate it. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To serve, scoop into glasses or dishes and top with cookies if desired.