Blackberry Trouble
By: Jameson Fink
Published: September 5, 2010

I was at my local farmers market and bumped into a friend who informed me that there is going to be a bbq at The Compound tonight. (The Compound is the affectionate nickname for a row of rental homes and apartment buildings on 12th Avenue whose residents enjoy an abundance of eating, drinking, and socializing. Stop by; it's cool. Bring bubbles.) I volunteered to take care of dessert and bought all these blackberries. Naturally I am going to do a thorough perusing of Foodista, but I thought I would also use the blog to solicit advice. Here's what I know and my parameters: They are a bit tart and I would like a simple preparation so I can spend my time at The Compound chitty-chatting rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Help! Please leave your suggestions in the comments. (And I apologize if you thought this post was going to be about smart phones rather than fruit.)

Comments:
Amy
September 5, 2010

FILO shells, sweet glaze for berries, top with whipping cream or meringue!
Jameson Fink

Thanks for the suggestion and quick response, Amy! I am going to cook the blackberries with lime juice, fresh ginger, and honey until it is compote-esque. Then I will cool and serve over ice cream with some granola for crunchy contrast. Stop by!
Frederick

Oh this Compound sounds so great.   That is what I miss so much about living in Boston's famed South End neighborhood - the ad hoc random block parties popping up all over where everyone is always welcome.   
We are trying to foster something similar in our new neighborhood here in Riverside (WalkScore: 97) but it is an uphill battle since generosity and openness isn't in the Florida DNA yet.   
Good luck with the blackberries!  I'd be stopping by with a couple chilled bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte which would play against your honey and ginger...
Amy

Jameson, how did it turn out? Sounded yummy and I just happen to have fresh ginger in my fridge, will have to try today!
Jameson Fink

Frederick,
You and the champers would have been a welcome addition. The dessert turned out fantastic; we enjoyed it while playing a riotous round of Apples to Apples.
Frederick

Jameson - that does sound pretty cool!   I was also thinking how great a Kir Royale would pair with that dessert.   
In the old days in Boston back when I was single (queue the sad violin music) I would organize a huge Valentine's Day bash every year for all the other inexplicably single guys in the neighborhood and serve flights of 10-14 different champagnes along with exotically bizarre desserts like frozen raspberry soufflés, wine-poached pears with white chocolate and candied violets, and espresso brownies frosted with gold leaf.
Joseph's Grainery

Probably a little late, but this is my favorite thing to do with fresh blackberries:
http://www.josephsgrainery.com/2010/08/whole-wheat-berry-cobbler.html
Jameson

Oh man I am totally making cobbler next time! A simple recipe that results in a classic.
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