A yummy topping for
toast or whatever else you put
jam on, and quite easy to make. All you need is about a cup of
blackberries for every cup of
jam you want to make (freshly picked
berries are best, but
store-bought will do), and 3/4ths of a cup of sugar for every cup of
blackberries (although if you prefer your
jam slightly less sweet, use a bit less sugar). You'll also need
jam jars.
Simply cook the berries over low heat for a few minutes in a saucepan until they start to let off liquid and a get a bit soft (add a little bit of water if it looks like they might burn). Then add the sugar, turn the heat to medium-high, and wait for the sauce to boil (or, more accurately, froth). Once it is frothing, turn the heat down to medium, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until done. You'll know it is done when jam placed on a plate and cooled for a minute or so doesn't run off the plate when the plate is flipped vertically.
Then, all you need to do is put it into the jam jars (which should be heated in boiling water first), and seal them. It can keep for years.
This is a family recipe developed by my parents using New Hampshire blackberries. I've recently made it with Nantucket blackberries and it was quite delicious. When I made it, 4 cups of berries made 3.5 jars of jam, but YMMV.