YIELD: 3½ CUPS
3 cups (1½ pints) fresh blackberries, divided
½ cup water
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of the blackberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the volume has reduced by half. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to lukewarm.
2. Place the blackberry mixture in a blender and purée. Pour the purée into a fine sieve over a mixing bowl and force it through. Discard any remaining seeds in the sieve.
3. Stir the remaining 2 cups blackberries into the mixture. Mix well and set aside, covered, until ready to use.