Name: Blackberry Coulis with Melon Liqueur
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh blackberries (or thawed if frozen); 5 - 7 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon table salt; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon melon liqueur (such as Midori)

Why This Recipe Works

We found that simpler was better when developing the best berry dessert sauces. Tired of thick, overly sweet fruit sauces that tasted like jam, we made a variety of sauces with bright, fresh flavors by simmering fruit, sugar, salt, and lemon, thinned with a bit of water, for just one minute to combine the flavors and help release the fruit's natural pectin.

Before You Begin

Because the type of berries used as well as their ripeness will affect the sweetness of the coulis, the amount of sugar is variable. Start with 5 tablespoons, then add more if you prefer a sweeter coulis. Additional sugar should be stirred in immediately after straining, while the coulis is still warm, so that the sugar will readily dissolve. Serve the coulis with cheesecake, pound cake, ice cream, rich chocolate tortes and cakes, dessert souffles, pancakes, French toast, waffles, or crêpes.

Instructions

In medium saucepan, bring berries, 1/4 cup water, 5 tablespoons sugar, and salt to bare simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally; cook until sugar is dissolved and berries are heated through, about 1 minute longer.

Transfer mixture to blender or food processor; puree until smooth, about 20 seconds. Strain through fine-mesh strainer into small bowl, pressing and stirring puree with rubber spatula to extract as much seedless puree as possible. Stir in lemon juice, melon liqueur, and additional sugar, if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour. Stir to recombine before serving. (If too thick after chilling, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water.) Can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 4 days.