Blackberry Flummery

Flummery (from the Welsh llymru) is a sweet soft pudding that is made from stewed fruit and thickened with cornstarch. Traditional British flummeries were kind of like porridge as they were often oatmeal based and cooked to achieve a smooth and gelatinous texture; often sugar and milk was added and occasionally orange flower water. This recipe was brought over from the British Isles by our first settlers. From the New England chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, 1947. I have copied the directions straight from the cookbook, but I believe that I might mix the cornstarch with a little water to avoid lumps.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  cups blackberries
• 2  cups water
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 4  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)

Directions

1. Cook berries and water together until nearly soft.
2. Mix sugar, salt and cornstarch together and add slowly to the berries, stirring constantly.
3. Bring to the boiling point and cook for five minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
5. Serve hot with sugar and cream.