Thirty-five years ago my Venezuelan husband and I lived in Cabimas, Venezuela. Christmas was approaching and it was time to make my family recipe blackberry jam cake. A trip to Merida in the Andes mountains provided berries to make jam. We gave jam to co-workers as Christmas gifts. They asked to buy more. Eventually we packed up everything and moved to a rental cabin near our blackberry source. Delicattesses Catalina, also known as Mermeladas Catalina was born. The business prospered and became a popular local stop and tourist destination. We expanded to 3 locations. For 22 years, until my husband's death in 2006 we proudly produced the original blackberry jam and over 500 other products. Despite frequent requests I have never disclosed the family jam cake recipe. That recipe, as well as our famous chocolate cake, my mother's boiled custard and my daughter Callie's cookies are included in this recipe collection that began over 50 years ago. It is my fervent wish that you enjoy my personal collection. Rhoda Lamastus Locklear