Blackberry - Black Pepper Spread

By á-47

Makes 6 half pints

Ingredients

• 8 (6 oz) packages blackberries, stems removed
• 1/4 tea. freshly ground pepper
• 1 (1 3/4 oz) package powdered pectin
• 4 1/2 sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Sterilize jars.

Gently wash berries, drain and place in an 8 qt. stainless steel pot with 1/2 cup water. Crush berries with a potato masher. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until berries are soft, stirring often. Remove from heat. Line a wire mesh strainer with 2 layers of damp cheesecloth or a jelly bag. Place over a bowl. Pour berry mixture into strainer,m and let drain 1 hour and 45 minutes or as needed to extract 3 1/2 cups juice. (do not press or squeeze mixture.) Discard solids. Return juice to pot. Stir in pepper.

Stir in pectin into juice mixture. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a rolling boil, and boil 1 minutes. Remove from heat; let foam settle (about 1 minute). Skim off and discard any foam.

Fill, seal and process jars for 5 minutes.