Category Archives: condiments

Nectarine and blackberry compote

Posted on by
1

I was lucky enough to pick up some very ripe nectarines at the market and had some of the last of my foraged wild blackberries left so decided to make a quick compote.

IMG_0412

This is so easy – simply dice the nectarines (leaving the skins on) and add to a large pan. Add the blackberries. You can use whatever quantity you have – I used about 6 nectarines and 3 large handfuls of blackberries. If the fruit is very ripe you shouldn’t need anything more but if necessary add a tbsp or 2 of water. You can also add a small amount of unrefined sugar if you need – personally I don’t think it needs it.

IMG_2982.JPG (2)

Simmer on a medium heat until the fruit is tender. Stir often. You may find that the fruit produces a lot of liquid. You can continue to simmer to boil some of this off but if it’s still very liquid then simply drain some off. Whatever you do don’t throw the excess juice away – you can drink it or pop it in a smoothie!

Once the fruit is tender remove from the heat and pour in to a sterilised jar. This will keep for a few weeks in the fridge.

Enjoy on some porridge, with soya yoghurt or just on its own!

Blackberry Chia Jam

Posted on by
1

I have spent a few lovely hours for the past couple of weekends foraging for wild blackberries in the local parks near me. I’ve had the pleasure of thinking up ways to use them (some of which will follow!), but the first and (in my humble opinion) most exciting thing I did was make up a lovely batch of chia jam! This recipe is also up on Colette’s Fitness Kitchen 🙂

IMG_0174

IMG_0176

This stuff is lovely, it’s easy to make and totally raw so doesn’t require any cooking or setting or anything difficult. It will last for about a week in the fridge but could also be frozen too. The beauty of this is not only is it delicious but it is a great way to boost your omega-3 and fibre intake 🙂

You will need:

1 1/2 cups Blackberries (or any soft fruit)

3 Tbsp Chia seeds

1/4 – 1/2 cup Water

1 – 2 Tbsp Maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener) – if required (personally I like my blackberries tart so didn’t add any!)

Place the blackberries or other fruit in a bowl and mash with a fork until smooshed up but not completely liquid. If you need sweetener then add it to taste and then add the chia seeds and mix well. Depending how juicy your fruit is you may need to add more or less water but start with half a cup and add more if required. The chia seeds take time to soak up the water, so once you have added it allow it to stand for 30 mins to an hour before seeing if you need to add more. If the chia seeds are still crunchy add more (unless you like them crunchy, in which case don’t!). The longer you can leave the jam the better – ideally overnight, but at least for an hour or so. Enjoy it spread on toast, dolloped on top of yoghurt or just eaten straight off the spoon!

IMG_0023 IMG_0186

Experiment with different fruits depending on what is in season. Raspberries also work well and I was lucky enough to pick up some discounted, very ripe nectarines in the market which made a delicious change.

IMG_0182