Blackberries in Syrup

We picked up a friend and headed out to a park not too far from here to pick blackberries. As my pantry is stuffed with other jams and jellies I went for berries in a simple syrup. This is fast, easy, and great on pancakes or ice cream.
Firstly, when picking blackberries, wear pants and long sleeve shirts. Secondly, the best tool I've ever been introduced to is a 3foot dowel or stick with a screw or nail in one end. This will allow you to pull higher or deeper branches near, and stop them from jiggling and scratching you all over.
If you survive picking the berries try making this syrup.


Recipe

*fill sterilized jars with berries
*bring to a boil 6C sugar to 10C water
and ladle over berries until covered
*screw on sterilized lids
*place sealed jars in boiling water for 20min,
remove and let cool. They should seal as they cool.

Ginger Pear Preserves

We received a big bag of small organic pears from Eugene's family a few days ago. I let them sit to ripen a bit while I thought about what to turn them into. I came up with this recipe after playing with one from my canning book. Pear and Ginger seem to go so well together, also the juice and zest of the key lime and lemon really heightens the flavour. I tripled the original recipe, therefore it did take a bit longer to cook down into its final thick golden goodness. The smell in the house was heavenly while it cooked, and even the next day sweet and spicy pear aroma flits through the air.
I will probably use this preserve for many things. I would like to do some half moon cookies filled with it, perhaps some sorbet, and maybe even some tarts. Preserves are a great way to have summers splendor in your cooking all year long.

Recipe

5 1/2 C Finely chopped cored peeled pears
2 1/2 Lemons, Zest and juice
3 Key Limes, Zest and juice
2 1/2C Sugar
1Tbsp Grated Ginger


*Combine all ingredients in a deep pot. Bring to a boil, and cook down until
it thickens and turns golden
*Ladle into sterilized jars (soaked in boiling water) and place lid on (also boiled)
*Set aside to cool. The lids will "pop" down creating a vacuum. Any jars that
do not seal can be stored in the refrigerator. All sealed jars can be stored in
your pantry or cupboard.