Spiked Blackberry Coulis Food

BLACKBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Put the blackberries and sugar into a small pan with 100ml/31⁄2fl oz water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 mins until the fruit is soft. Stir in the vanilla, remove and cool a little.
• Tip the contents of the pan into a blender or food processor, and whizz to a purée, then strain through a sieve, rubbing it through with the back of a ladle or spoon. Serve warm or chilled. Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

QUICK BLACKBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Rinse and drain blackberries. Place into a bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow sugar to draw out blackberry juice.
• Mix in lemon juice and begin to mash berries. Mash by hand with a fork or potato ricer, or puree in a food processor. If desired, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Serve warm or cold.

DARK CHOCOLATE TORTE WITH SPIKED BLACKBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush 9-inch-diameter springform pan with margarine; line bottom with parchment. Stir 1 2/3 cups chocolate chips and 3/4 cup margarine in medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Whisk in cocoa and espresso. Cool 10 minutes.
• Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in large bowl on high speed until thick, about 6 minutes. Fold in chocolate mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Bake torte until dry and cracked on top and tester inserted into center comes out with some moist batter attached, about 42 minutes. Cool in pan on rack 1 hour (center will fall). Using spatula, press raised edges so top is level. Cut around pan sides; remove sides. Place plate atop torte and invert onto plate. Remove pan bottom; peel off paper, and cool torte completely.
• Stir remaining 1 cup (6 ounces) chocolate and 1/4 cup margarine in small saucepan over low heat until smooth (do not overheat). Whisk in 2 tablespoons blackberry coulis. Cool glaze 15 minutes. Pour glaze into center of torte. Smooth top with spatula, allowing some of glaze to drip down sides. Refrigerate uncovered until glaze is set, about 1 hour. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Cut torte into wedges; spoon coulis alongside. Garnish with mint and berries, if desired.

SPIKED BLACKBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Place berries, wine and 4 tablespoons sugar in blender; puree. Pour into medium saucepan. Add cloves, bay leaves, and allspice. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 8 minutes.
• Strain into medium bowl. Discard solids in strainer. Whisk in brandy; sweeten with remaining sugar, if desired. (Can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill. Rewhisk before using.)

BLACKBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in the bowl of a small food processor. Blend until smooth and sugar has dissolved, 15 to 20 seconds. Adjust sugar if desired, and blend again.
• Strain mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds. Refrigerate until ready to use.

MIXED BERRY COULIS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine all but the lemon juice.
• Bring just to simmer and cook until berries are warm and sugar is dissolved.
• Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
• Strain through a fine sieve (or line coarse sieve with an old flour sack towel).
• Press as much through as possible, leaving only the seeds behind.
• Stir in the lemon juice and adjust sweetness if desired with additional sugar.
• Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

BLUEBERRY COULIS

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients in food processor about 3 minutes. Strain to remove pulp. Refrigerate.