Strawberry Jam

Scroll to bottom of post for strawberry syrup/jam recipe

It is strawberry season! The children and I met some of our friends (Mia and Heather) out at the strawberry patch this past Wednesday. We all had lots of fun picking the berries and playing with "Haus" the resident dog. Heather made such a fuss over that dog that I was certain she was going to slip him into her car on the way home. He really was a great dog. Which, it goes to figure. The entire place is surreal. It is like when you are there you are in another world. Rows and rows of strawberries greet you when you first pull up. Then there is the quaint little strawberry store that is actually an old barn where they have you pay for your pickings, and offer a selection of strawberry delights. Fun for the kids is the tire swing that hangs from this huge old oak tree. Heather and I sat at the picnic table watching them play. It was a beautiful day, and she and I decided that if the place ever goes up for sell, we are buying and moving our families out there!!! LOL (Up the hill is a large two story house where we would all live)

Amanda Lily and I are making strawberry jam today with our flat. We are celebrating Papou's (grandpas) birthday tomorrow, and one of his favorite things it our strawberry jam. He loves it on his toast. So, we are hoping to fill a mason jar with the good stuff, and give it to him as a gift.

Here is our super simple recipe:

STRAWBERRY SYRUP/JAM

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled

4 cups white sugar

1/4 lemon juice

Crush berries (in batches if you need to)

In large saucepan, mix together all ingredients

Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and blended

Increase heat to high, and bring to full rolling boil

Boil, stirring often for about 20 mins

Poor hot mixture into sterile jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and seal

After jam has cooled, eat up or refrigerate.