Macerated Berries
Macerating is the process of soaking fruit in liquid and sugar to soften it and release its juices. The berries absorb the flavors of the liquid as they soak and soften.
Ingredients
1 pound mixed berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries
Gin - you decide Sugar - to taste
Squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice
*Use the fruit, sugar, citrus, and liquor amounts as a flexible guide and adjust to taste.
Preparation
Step 1.
Hull and slice strawberries, if using; place in a medium bowl. Slicing bigger berries speeds up maceration because liquids release faster.
Step 2.
Add remaining ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Let stand for 20 minutes or until mixture is syrupy, gently stirring occasionally. Sugar, lemon or lime juice, and gin soften and preserve the berries while extracting their natural juices to become a syrupy sauce.
Step 3.
While this recipe uses gin and lime juice, you can play around. Acidity from balsamic vinegar, red or white wine, and lemon will lend flavor while softening. Liquors like bourbon, vodka, brandy, and rum will also act as a light preservative while imparting their essence.
Step 4.
Other useful flavorful ingredients include vanilla bean, jalapeno, basil, lemon thyme, fresh ginger, and whole cloves. Play around to find a combination and balance to your own taste.
Step 5.
If desired, refrigerate and continue to macerate for up to 4 hours.