The flexitarian prescription

I have never made jam. Ever. Not even the “easy” freezer strawberry jam that everyone says everyone can make. I’ve thought about it before. Last summer I contemplated it for all of one hour, and this year, I do believe the idea has resurfaced a few times. I mean I keep seeing all these posts of people getting fresh berries from farmers markets and well, it seems they all make jam. Me, well, I was inspired to make this amazing baked salmon dish with a fresh blueberry and balsamic glaze (see recipe below), but I have yet to feel motivated to turn our kitchen into a canning fiasco. BUT. I did make a cocktail with fresh blackberries. Does that count?

Put those fresh summer berries to use in this cocktail recipe and leave the jam making to everyone else

This might be one of the easiest “new” cooking things I’ve ever tried. And it’s delicious. I used blackberries in the summer, but these photos are from the winter when my husband made a version with cranberries, and with pomegranates—garnished with a sprig of rosemary. For the cocktail itself, I used vodka but you do you. And no, you don’t have to add the club soda but I think it keeps it a bit lighter and refreshing served this way. Anyhoo, hope this inspires you to do something with those fresh berries … something other than make jam ; ) LOL.

Pomegranate/Cranberry/Blackberry Vodka Cocktail

• 1 pint blackberries (or cranberries or pomegranate)
• 2 cups water
• 2-4 TBS agave syrup, depending on how sweet you like things
• 1 lemon, squeezed
• Lemon peels, or slices, for garnish
• Vodka or gin (you decide how strong you want to make them)
• Club soda, optional
• Ice

Bring water to a boil, add berries, agave and lemon juice. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Place in a glass ball jar and refrigerate. When you’re ready to make your cocktail: fill preferred glass size with ice, add equal parts vodka, blackberry syrup and club soda. Stir well and enjoy ; )