Recipe Wednesday! Wahoo! Black Rasberries, my absolute FAVORITE!

I think this is quite possibly - Yes, most definitely - my favorite fruit of ALL!
Those perfect little black clusters of juicy goodness are ripe and ready to pick! Black rasberry bushes are currently loaded down, so grab 'em before the birds do! Get yourself out there and scope for bushes. Old fencelines are perfect places, as are streambeds, runoff ditches, and spaces underneath where wild birds perch - that's how those bushes got planted in the first place! I know, I know - TMI, right? Don't forget to stash some away in your freezer - nothing tastes better in the middle of winter!

BLACKBERRY SYRUP (for pancakes!)

Ingredients:

4 cups blackberry juice
4 cups white sugar
1/3 (2 ounce) package powdered pectin (optional)

Directions:

Mix the blackberry juice and sugar, bring to a boil. Boil rapidly for 2 minutes. Skim off foam. Pour into HOT sterile jars or bottles.
This makes a thin syrup (like true maple syrup). If you want it slightly thicker, you can add a small amount of powdered pectin (less than half a 2 ounce box) to the cold syrup and sugar mixture.
You can store the syrup in the refrigerator if you intend to use it quickly. To preserve for a longer time, sterilize the jars, pour into the canning jars to within 1/4 inch of lid, adjust lids and process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

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AND>>> to serve with your yummy syrup, try these!
Make your own mix and save mucho money!!

HOMEMADE PANCAKE MIX

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda

Additional ingredients for pancakes:
1 egg
3/4 cup milk

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare pancakes: In a bowl, combine egg and milk. Whisk in 1 cup pancake mix. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes. Cook until second side is golden brown. Serve warm with butter and syrup!

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"Thanks. Rasberry. Great."
~Bill Murray in Groundhog Day