Blackberry Purée Recipes

BLACKBERRY PURéE

Steps:

• Puree berries and sugar in processor. Strain through fine sieve; discard seeds. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)

BLACKBERRY MARGARITAS

Steps:

• For the puree: Add the blackberries to a medium saucepan with the sugar and lime juice. Cook over low heat, covered, 20 to 25 minutes. Strain using a fine mesh strainer, pressing the berries to extract as much juice/puree as possible. Place in the fridge to cool completely.
• For the lime sugar: Mix together the sugar and lime zest. Use a piece of lime to moisten the rim of each margarita glass, and then dip in the lime sugar.
• For the margaritas: In a blender, add 1 cup of the tequila, 1/4 cup of the triple sec, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and the juice of 1 lime. Fill the blender with ice and blend until smooth. Then add as much blackberry puree as desired, 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Pour into 4 rimmed glasses and serve immediately. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients for the other 4 glasses.

DELUXE BLACKBERRY PIE

Steps:

• Puree two cups of the blackberries in a blender until liquid. Strain out the seeds, and pour into a saucepan. Whisk in 1 1/4 cups sugar. Cook over a medium heat until boiling, stirring constantly and scraping bottom. Keep at a boil for 5 minutes, and then remove from heat.
• Mix cornstarch and brandy in a cup. When well mixed, whisk into pan; stir until mixture returns to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. Check the consistency of the mixture; it should be like a thin pudding. If necessary, add cornstarch and water mixed at a 2:1 ratio to thicken.
• Fill the pie shell with the remaining two cups of blackberries. Pour the blackberry puree over the fresh berries, covering evenly. Use either strips of dough criss crossed to cover, or cover with a solid sheet of dough with slits cut in it. Dust with sugar on top.
• Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) oven for 35 minutes, or until crust is browned.

BLACKBERRY PURéE

Steps:

• In a strainer placed over a large bowl thaw the blackberries.
• Once the berries are thawed, press to remove all the juices so you are left with only the seeds in the strainer, discard seeds.
• Stir the sugar into the puree, taste, adding more sugar if necessary.
• Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

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.