Bonnie's Jams Black & Blue

Bonnie's Jams Black & Blue is a fruit preserve sold in the snacks aisle. The name points to a dark-berry pairing, most likely blackberry and blueberry. Check the label for the exact fruit, sugar content and net weight, because those details aren't listed here. Preserves in this style usually taste of ripe dark fruit, with a jammy sweetness and a slight tartness, and some seed or skin texture if the fruit is left in pieces. It works best as a spread. Put it on warm buttered toast, scones, English muffins or biscuits, where the tartness balances the butter. It also suits plain yogurt, porridge or ricotta on toast, where a spoonful gives the sweetness and color. On a cheese board, expect it to pair well with creamy, mild cheeses such as brie, camembert or fresh goat cheese. It should also work with aged cheddar, where the sweetness offsets the sharpness. For cooking, dark-berry jams can be spooned warm over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. They can also be thinned with a little warm water or vinegar into a quick glaze for roast pork, duck or chicken, or used as a filling for thumbprint cookies and sandwich biscuits. For serving, bring it to room temperature so it spreads easily, use a clean dry spoon each time, and refrigerate the jar after opening.