Hickey Dewberry Recipe

Prepare berries

If using fresh berries, rinse and drain. If using larger berries (blackberries, dewberries), roughly chop to create more jam body. Measure 2 cups and set aside.

Cook jam

Combine the berries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer and reduce

Maintain a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit breaks down and mixture thickens, about 12–18 minutes. Use the back of a spoon to mash berries to desired texture. If you prefer a smoother jam, mash more or briefly pulse with an immersion blender (1–2 quick pulses).

Finish jam

Remove from heat when jam coats the spoon and registers around 105–106°C (220–223°F) on a thermometer, or after desired thickness is reached. Stir in grated lemon zest (if using). Let cool to room temperature; jam will thicken further as it cools. This yields roughly 3/4 to 1 cup of jam—enough for several sandwiches.

Cook bacon

Arrange 4 slices of bacon in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until deeply browned and crisp, about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in the pan if desired.

Toast bread

While bacon rests, spread 1 tablespoon butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Heat the skillet used for bacon over medium (wipe out excess fat if more than 1 tsp remains). Place bread butter-side-down in the skillet and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Alternatively, toast in a panini press or toaster until lightly golden.

Assemble sandwich

Turn both slices of toasted bread to their untoasted sides. Spread 1 tablespoon of warm (or cooled) house berry jam on one slice and the remaining 1 tablespoon on the other slice. Layer the 4 slices of crispy bacon evenly over the jam on one slice. If using, mound 1/2 cup fresh arugula or baby greens lightly on top of the bacon. Close sandwich with the other jam-smeared slice, jam side down.

Finish and serve

Press sandwich gently, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately so the contrasting sweet jam and salty bacon are enjoyed warm and crisp. If you prefer jam warmed, spoon jam into a small microwave-safe bowl and heat 10–15 seconds before spreading.