This simple reduction is perfect on both grilled steaks and drizzled over desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of fresh blackberries
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the blackberries, the vinegar and the sugar.  Stir with a wooden spoon to combine.  Cook for 10 minutes, mashing the berries with the back of the wooden spoon as they cook and soften.
2. Strain the berries and their juices into a small bowl.  Using the back of a soup spoon, press down the berries in the strainer to get as much of the juices and smooth flesh into the bowl as possible.  Discard the fruit that couldn’t be strained.

Makes between ½ – ¼ cup.

Notes:  Can easily be made with strawberries or raspberries.  Fresh berries out of season?  Use a 12-ounce bag of frozen, thawed berries.