Lately I’ve been making some recipes that require many different steps or “recipes” within the recipe. To make it easier on me (and probably for you, too!), I’ve decided to split these recipes up into a few different posts.
Because I want to share this stellar Lemon Cheesecake with Blackberry and Ginger Spiced Topping (jam) with you guys:
I’ve got to first tell you how I made the topping.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEESECAKE RECIPE
Because the jam can take quite a while to thicken (around 45 minutes from start to finish), I use this time to make the cheesecake crust and filling (recipe coming soon!). If you choose not to make the cheesecake and just want the jam…that’s awesome, too! Just know that it takes a little time to make.
But trust me, this jam is so fabulous, it’s definitely worth the time spent on it. You will not be disappointed!
To make this jam, I started by combining 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water in a sauce-pan.
I sliced some ginger into discs and also washed the blackberries.
Then I dumped half of the blackberries, the lemon juice and ginger in the pan along with the water and sugar. And because I always feel the need to “Indianize” (is that a word?!) nearly everything I make, I tossed in some chai masala (recipe coming soon!) for good measure.
I make my own chai masala (stay tuned for this basic recipe!), and recommend that you do, too! But if you don’t want to grind all those spices, this masala can be purchased pre-made at your local Indian grocer. You could also toss in a few whole spices instead. Cinnamon, green cardamom, peppercorns and cloves are great choices!
I let this mixture simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes until the blackberries began to break down (they’ll actually turn red!) and the liquid thickened slightly. Once my jam reached that point, I took it off the heat and strained it through a sieve, using a spoon to press the mixture through as much as possible.
I transferred the syrup back into the pan, brought it to a boil and then tossed in the other half of my blackberries.
I then let the jam simmer for a good 20+ minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries broke down and the jam reached the right consistency.
It should be nice and thick. The best way to tell if your jam is the right consistancy is to dunk a spoon in. The jam should coat and cling to the spoon.
This jam is delicious! If you decide not to use it for making a cheesecake, I’d recommend slathering it on crepes or pancakes!
Blackberry and Ginger Spiced Jam
makes about 1.5 cups of jam
Ingredients:
- About 1 pound fresh or frozen blackberries- divided
- 1 inch piece of ginger- sliced into discs (does not matter if peeled or not)
- 1 tsp. chai masala*
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 c. water
* Prepared Chai Masala is available at your local Indian grocer. It can also be made at home, which I highly recommend! My recipe for Chai Masala will be posted soon!
Directions:
- Combine 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of water, lemon juice, 1/2 pound of blackberries, ginger discs and chai masala in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Allow the mixture to cook over medium-high heat until the liquid begins to thicken. This may take 15-20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, being sure to press the mixture with a spoon to collect as much liquid as possible.
- Rinse out the pan and transfer the syrupy liquid back into it. Bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing the liquid to simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes before adding in the additional 1/2 pound of blackberries. Be sure to stir the jam once in awhile so that it doesn’t burn.
- Once the berries begin to break down, mash them up a little bit so that there are small chuncks of berries suspended in the jam.
- Continue cooking until the jam becomes thick and coats the backside of a spoon. This took about 20 more minutes for me. Remove pan from heat and allow the jam to cool.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to three months.
Stay tuned for the awesome lemon cheesecake recipe! Unfortunately, I work all weekend…so check back early next week!
drool drool and then drool some more
It really is drool-worthy! 😀
Delicious…:)
This looks and sounds delicious!
This cheesecake combines some of my favorite ingredients – ginger, berries, lemon, warming spices. I can’t wait to see the whole recipe and try it myself!
Can’t wait for the cheesecake recipe, love it! I hope it is not too difficult to make :-p
It’s not difficult at all, actually, just time consuming. Not even a water-bath. I’m all about simplicity when it comes to baking!
Reblogged this on WildManSticksBushCraft.
Oh my that looks so yummy!
Thank you!
How beautiful does this look?! I’m making my Hungry Hubby’s best friends wedding cake this July and they have asked for blackberry jam filling inside my signature vanilla cake. I have to make this for them to sample :D. Can’t wait for pay day to fill my basket with these ingredients Shari 😀
This would make a wonderful cake filling. You could even strain the seeds out if they’d rather have a smooth filling. Great idea!
I’ll let you know what they think when I’ve made it Shari – I can try both ways and see what they prefer. I know a lot of folk prefer jam without “bits” so for the sake of their guests, this might be the way to go… 😀
That would be wonderful! I’d love to hear your (and their) thoughts! 🙂
I’ll find you on FaceBook or Twitter with some photos when it’s done – which could be next weekend 😀
This recipe is amazing! I love the idea of using blackberries, ginger and spices….Sounds really interesting!!
Thank you, Serena!
You’ re welcome darling! 🙂
Sexy….
How gorgeous does that jam look? I”m curious about the chai masala. Have never come across it before.
I’ll have the recipe posted soon…along with detailed directions on how to make the perfect cup of Indian Chai!
Reblogged this on The Pretty Canary.
How beautiful… it looks absolutely delish.. Yum.. 🙂
Thank you!
That look delicious! Its truly one of the most hunger inducing cheesecake photos i have ever seen!
This looks absolutely incredible. I am now not he hunt for blackberries!! Thanks for the inspiration!! x
This looks amazing- can’t wait for the cheesecake recipe- that too sounds delicious!
Jess
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This looks delicious! Please, please we need the chai masala and cheesecake asap.
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