You can wash, stem, and check your berries and then grind them up if you prefer. I like to soften mine a bit on the stove after I've washed and stemmed and then use my food mill. It's totally your preference there. Once they are converted into pulp, I add about 2-to 3 cups of sugar and/or honey depending on the sweetness of the berries. You can cook it in the crockpot for several hours on low or on top of the stove for 30-45 minutes. If you do stovetop though, you have to stay close so that it doesn't scorch.