[better late than never]

Belated presents.

If you know me.. you know that these are one of my fortes. Better late than never? I think so. SO, if you too are a belated gift giver.. fear no more, for I have the perfect gift idea for you.

Homemade Strawberry Jam

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
• Personally, I'm going with store bought lemon juice. Oops.
• 3 tbs lemon juice = 1 medium sized lemon
• Kerr Mason Jars.. whatever size you so desire
• 1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• If you are an inexperienced 'huller' as I am, the picture below is for you. (You're just cutting out the top middle part of the strawberry.)

 

 

Ingredients

 

Special Instructions Before You Begin:

You're in need of some jams while you make your jam, I can tell. By the way, the pun was intended. I strongly recommend the following video

 

 

Directions

1. Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.
 

 
 
2. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly.
 



Before

 



After

 
3. Pour carefully into your mason jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.

 

Sterilizing Directions:

• Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two-piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum-seal when processed. I got mine from Wal-mart - they're Kerr's.
• Boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan of water for 15 minutes.

Happy cooking!