Blackberry Weekdaes Food

BLACKBERRY FOOL

Steps:

• Add the blackberries to a bowl, sprinkle over the granulated sugar and blackberry liqueur and let steep 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the cream and powdered sugar to the bowl of a mixer and whip to soft peaks. Mash the blackberries with a fork, and then fold them into the cream.
• Spoon the fool into individual glasses. Crush some ladyfingers on top. Top each with a sprig of mint and a whole blackberry!

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.

BLACKBERRY BREAKFAST BARS

Steps:

• For filling, in a medium saucepan combine berries, sugar, water, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 8 minutes or till slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
• In a mixing bowl stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in melted margarine till thoroughly combined. Set aside 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping. Press remaining oat mixture into an ungreased 9x9x2" pan. Bake in a 350 oven for 20-25 minutes.
• Carefully spread filling on top of baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Lightly press oat mixture into filling.
• Bake in the 350 oven for 20-25 minutes more or till topping browns.
• Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

BLACKBERRY BRANDY

Steps:

• Divide the blackberries between 3 sterilised 500ml 'Kilner' jars (or alternatively use other sterilised jars/containers that you can seal tightly, or place blackberries into one very large container).
• Pour in the sugar, dividing it equally between the jars; divide and pour in the brandy.
• Seal the jars tightly and shake them well.
• Store in a cool, dark cupboard and shake every other day for a week, then shake once a week for two months; the brandy be then be ready to drink, but will keep improving if you can manage to leave it for longer!
• When the brandy has steeped for at least two months, strain it off into a 1 litre bottle (you can reserve the fruit for a very boozy dessert; a few berries are great served with vanilla ice cream); it is now ready to serve.

BLACKBERRY & LEMON FOOL

Steps:

• Tip the blackberries into a pan with 2 tbsp icing sugar, plus the lemon zest and juice. Simmer until syrupy, then leave to cool. Chill for a few hours.
• Whip the double cream with 1 tbsp icing sugar, then swirl through most of the blackberry sauce. Serve in glasses with extra sauce and fresh blackberries on top.