Step 1

Combine blackberries and 1 cup cider vinegar in a glass bowl. Lightly crush blackberries. Add remaining cider vinegar and spices to the mixture. Cover bowl with waxed paper or plastic wrap and secure. Let vinegar steep in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, stirring every 2 to 3 days.

Step 2

Prepare Ball brand or Kerr brand jars and closures according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3

Strain vinegar through several layers of cheesecloth. Heat vinegar to a simmer; do not boil. Carefully ladle hot vinegar into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rim clean. Place lid on jar with sealing compound next to glass. Screw band down evenly and firmly just until a point of resistance is met - fingertip tight.

Step 4

Process 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner. At elevations higher than 1,000 feet, boil 2 additional minutes for each 1,000 feet elevation.

Step 5

This recipe yields about 3 pints.

Step 6

Comments: One-quarted cup, washed, fresh berries may be added to each jar before filling with flavored vinegar. Process according to instructions.

Step 7

Yield: 3 pints