Recipe - Blackberry Cordial

3 cup Ripe blackberries
3 cup Sugar
3 cup Water
2 3 inch long cinnamon sticks;
broken in half
4 Whole cloves
Three fourths cup Premium French brandy

In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, or a blender, briefly
puree the blackberries to a coarse consistency. Set a jelly bag or
finemeshed sieve lined with 2 layers of dampened cheesecloth over a large
nonreactive bowl. Pour the puree into the jelly bag or sieve and let the
juice drip through for about 3 minutes. When it slows to an occasional
drip, press firmly on the puree with the back of a large spoon to yield
more juice, being careful not to force any pulp through. The puree should
yield 1 One half to 1 2/3 cups of juice.

In a large, heavy nonreactive saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar,
water, cinnamon and cloves. Heat the mixture, stirring often, for about 4
minutes. When the sugar begins to dissolve, reduce the heat to low.
Continue to heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely
dissolved and the mixture is clear, 4 to 6 minutes longer. Remove from heat
and transfer the sugar mixture to a medium nonreactive bowl. Let stand at
room temperature to cool completely. Remove and discard the spices. Gently
whisk the blackberry juice and brandy into the cooled sugar mixture until
well blended.

Using a funnel, pour the blackberry cordial into dry, sterilized bottles,
leaving One half inch head space. Cap or cork, using new corks, and store the
bottles in the refrigerator. Let the cordial mellow in the refrigerator for
3 weeks. Store, refrigerated, for up to 6 months. Serve at room
temperature. Makes 4 pintsized bottles.

Reprinted in The Sacramento Bee 8/13/97.

NOTES : You can use frozen blackberries in this recipe, which has been made
in American homes since colonial times. When packaged in a decorative
bottle, this libation makes a great gift.

Recipe by: The South: The Beautiful Cookbook (HarperCollins, 1996) Posted
to MCRecipe Digest V1 #760 by Crane Walden cranew@foothill.net on Aug
25, 1997