Summer’s winding down. Days are getting shorter. Nights becoming cooler. Even the air smells different. It’s around this time of year when everyone starts to smile sadly at what’s left of the warm sunny days, knowing the inescapable ‘F’ word is just around the corner. It’s also around this time of year that I launch into a state of full-blown, vehement denial. The flip flops will stay on my feet. I will not need a jacket. I will ignore those pesky baby pumpkins perched next to the last of the heirloom tomatoes. They have no business being there yet, and they know it.
My denial takes many forms, though one of my favorites is to bottle up summer. Literally. Bottle it up in pretty glass jars, so on the coldest and dreariest of winter days when I’m craving sunshine on my face and freshly picked summer berries on my plate, I’ll have a secret weapon to bust out. I will not be defeated.
Luckily, the beach across the street from our house provides the perfect ammunition for my secret weapon – row after row, after glorious row, of wild blackberry bushes. During my parents most recent visit, we had a chance to head down and pick away to our heart’s content. Pick one, eat one. Pick one, eat two. Admittedly, I’m not the most efficient harvester. The goods are carefully carried home and prepped for my Endless Summer Jam. It’s a jam that tastes like summer, looks like summer and smells like summer. Denial can be a good thing, especially when it comes in a pretty jar.
Endless Summer Jam
Kiss My Spatula’s version of her favorite jam, yields about 1 pint
This jam is on the thicker, chunkier, and seedier side – just how I like it. There’s nothing polite or demure about this one.
Music Pairing: Theme from Endless Summer
Ingredients
- 3 cups blackberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 small apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- juice and zest of 1/2 lime
Method
Place blackberries, sugar, lime juice and zest in a non-reactive, deep pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Add diced apple and blueberries and continue to keep mixture at a rolling boil, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes or until thickened. Gently mash fruit with a potato masher. Spoon into favorite jam jars and allow to cool to room temperature. Store covered in refrigerator for several weeks.
We have blackberries everywhere too and I never know what to do with their bounty. Looks like I have an answer…
“Endless Summer Jam” is the perfect name. Literally brought a smile to my face. Beautiful pictures.
As usual, beautiful pictures for a delicious recipe!
How completely lovely! The very name of the jam makes me smile and reminds me of the warmth and sunshine of summer, which, you’re right, isn’t totally gone yet! Very jealous of those nearby blackberry bushes, btw.
This looks so delicious! I love jam. Just made some fig jam the other day and I am trying so hard to save it for the winter time when I’m craving a little hint of summer… Great post and photos!
I am so jealous that you can just go out and pick blackberries. They are one of my favorite berry – I plan on planting some next spring! This sounds yummy.
Love the music and the end of summer sweet vibe. It also looks like a delectable jam and it makes me want to roll up my sleeves and spend the morning bottling what’s left of my summer.
Very cool! I’d like some, please.
Also, fall is awesome.
yumness, and what an excellent writer you are!
Mm. Delicious. Nothing better than a ripe blackberry straight from the vine, warmed by the sun. Would do anything for a jar of this jam. Blackberries in the farmer’s market here are disappointing, bitter/sour.
Looks so delicious. When I was growing up, we also had tons of blackberry bushes. There are alot of people that even make Blackberry wine, although I am not a fan, of any I’ve had anyway. Our chickens seem to use to live off of blackberries. Our chicken pen was very large, and one whole back and side of the fence was overrun with the bushes. The hens use to jump for berries, they were so cute! And their eggs were amazing!
Where was this one about a month ago. I have so many blackberry’s in the backyard I picked 5 cups from one branch, it was incredible. Next year I guess. Here’s my favorite end of summer anthem to pair. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Hryc5t2wQ
Just picked some blackberries tonight, and have the scratched-ups legs to prove it.
I’m all about Fall, though. At least right now. In mid-November, I’m sure I’ll have changed my tune.
WElcome back long time no see this looks great!
She’s back. Ou Ou Ou.
My blackberries did not make it any further than hand to stomach. Perhaps next year I can actually collect some to make this amazing sounding jam.
I made some fig with vanilla and french plum jams to savor the summer. Wish I lived closer to you, so that you could be in our jam swap group. (beautiful photos)
I too mourn the end of summer – but I do enjoy fall days when they are sunny and bright full of color on the trees. It is winter I dread where I can’t be warm.
This jam sounds wonderful and I love your photos!
Really nice name…it’s sad that Summer is gone again. Time flies.
Time to wave goodbye to summer:( This jam is capturing it’s spirit in a jar!
I love love love the name of this jam. Just beautiful and delicious.
I think my harvesting abilities are much like yours. How fun to pick the blackberries by the shore. sounds like the perfect way to part with summer, for a bit.
What a beautiful photo! I envy you your blackberry bushes, it’s my favourite berry.
Those are two of my favorite berries! That jam must taste heavenly!
Great shots!
Cheers,
Rosa
What a wonderful way to preserve summer! I love all your pictures…
Your photos are amazing! That jam looks amazing too! Thanks for stopping by my site…I know I’ll be adding you to my reader….love the photos!
I am indeed a fan of the blackberry, and I share your appreciation. Late summer sweetness and extraordinary color… great inspiration for jam, pies and tarts. Thank you for the gorgeous photos and a delightful new recipe. I am so glad you reached out to make our new connection…
All the best,
Michaela
you just kicked autumn in its face with this awesome summery post. Even the pictures, the tint itself scream out SUMMER!
What a way to have summer in a bottle. This looks delicious. What a great pic of the jam – has a vintage feel to it.
Oh, how I love blackberry jam! Your pictures are beautiful, too. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
WOW!!! I have been wanting to make my own jam for awhile–but have never ventured. I love a chunky jam too!
I love your photos on this site :) I will be using this recipe! Thanks for posting! :)
I love this jam and the name you have given to it! thanks for sharing :)
So true, with the first day of Autumn officially behind us (yesterday) it is hard to get over the fact that the days are getting shorter and the summer clothes are going back to the storage bin sooner than we want to acknowledge! Love the jam recipe!
Very nice photos. It’s so great to have wild blackberry bushes across the street from your house.
Tana from CheapAppetite:)
Beautiful photos and those jams are just perfect to continue the summer during the autumn days. As if we have autumn. :)
Very poetic name for a beautiful jam. oh, love the knife you have next to the jar. Absolutely gorgeous photography!
Gorgeous! Endless summer indeed…
Hello!
Funny, what you described as your feelings toward the end of summer are EXACTLY how I feel about the beginning of it here, just different articles of clothing, etc! I live in Mozambique with nine months of HOT so I love our cool winter. I will NOT take the thin airplane blanket off my bed, I will NOT put away my sweater, I will NOT take out the fan!!!
Enjoy your jam!
Laura
I am so in jam making mode. I got inspired by all the lovely jams and jellies I tried in Ireland. Actually, I was really feeling the urge for marmalade, but now I’m thinking blackberries.
oh you are endlessly romantic! I love that!
What is a non-reactive pot?
Hi Sandy, a non-reactive pot is one that does not cause the acid in foods to react to the metal. Stainless steel or non-stick would be just fine for this jam.
Yummm. I am thinking of making up a batch this week. Do you think it will freeze well? I am trying to make my endless summer stretch out for longer then a few more weeks;)