Velvety Blackberry & Almond Bliss Sauce

1. Simmer the Blackberries

Combine the blackberries, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, water, and a tiny pinch of kosher salt in a small, heavy saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As the berries begin to soften and release their juices, you’ll notice them slightly collapsing and the juices running—this is exactly what you want. Simmering helps to break down the berries and meld the flavors together beautifully.

2. Cover and Cook

Once the berries have softened, cover the saucepan and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Be mindful to avoid letting the juices caramelize, which could alter the flavor of your sauce.

3. Blend the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. The key here is to get a velvety texture, so take your time to ensure everything is well-blended.

4. Strain the Sauce

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to press it through. This step is crucial as it removes the seeds, giving your sauce that perfect smoothness.

5. Add Almond Extract

Stir in the almond extract to the strained berry purée, and then taste your sauce. At this point, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed or balance the tartness with a bit more lemon juice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of balsamic vinegar can add a delightful depth of flavor.