We enjoyed a pleasant walk using local footpaths recently and the children were intrigued by the fattening blackberries on their brambles.
It’s one of the first signs of autumn, which officially begins tomorrow. We will make a special trip – armed with baskets – to pick these delicious fruits when they are fully ripened.
With a young toddler, I might need to consult my Dairy Diary stain removal page after our excursion!

Plump blackberries ripe for picking
It’s wonderful though to be able to enjoy the bounty of our countryside, from picking through to cooking and eating. I might try a bramble jelly this year and I will certainly have a go at the Blackberry and Apple Tartlets recipe – yum.
In Britain, in was once considered unlucky to pick blackberries after a certain date, often Michaelmas (29th September), as it was believed the devil would have spat or stamped on them. I don’t think I will be passing that little nugget of folklore on to my son during our forages!
I absolutely adore this season, with crisp sunny walks through rustling leaves, warming autumnal soups, the excitement of bonfire night and fireworks, and the changing colours of the countryside. I can’t wait to try leaf prints with Isaac when they start to fall from the trees – perfect for making cards for those who enjoy autumn Birthdays. It’s times like these when I love living in Britain with our varied weather and beautiful scenery.
Do you have a favourite blackberry recipe that you would like to share? Click the “Leave a comment” link below.
Dear Jane
I am sorry that you have experienced problems with this recipe. Perhaps the pastry was a little thick or maybe it needed longer in the oven. The tester found it worked without the need to bake blind, but you could try it for the future if you think it needs it.
Best wishes
Emily
Made the goats’ cheese quiche from 2009 dairy diary page 153, found the pastry case was not cooked, should it have been baked blind?