Blues and Bay

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 300F.
2. 2
   Start by making a fruit syrup: mix the sugar with 2 1/2 cups of water in a pan and bring slowly to a boil to dissolve the sugar.
3. 3
   Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice, cover, and keep warm.
4. 4
   Pick over the berries, removing any twiggy bits or leaves.
5. 5
   Pack them firmly, without crushing, into warm, sterilized jars (see p. 152), sliding the bay leaves attractively around the sides of the jars.
6. 6
   Bring the sugar syrup to a boil and pour over the berries, filling the jars to the brim.
7. 7
   Cover with lids, but do not fasten the clips or put on the screw-bands (see p. 158).
8. 8
   Put the jars, 2 inches apart, in the oven for 30 minutes.
9. 9
   Carefully remove the jars, seal with screw-bands or clips immediately, and place on a wooden surface, newspaper, or folded cloth.
10. 10
    Leave undisturbed until completely cool, and check the seal the following day (see p. 158).
11. 11
    Use within 1 year.