Strawberry Jam

Discover the joy of making your own strawberry jam with this delightful and easy homemade treat! This guide shares simple steps to turn fresh strawberries into a sweet spread perfect for toast, desserts, and more. Learn essential tips, variations, and storage techniques to savor the taste of summer year-round. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a jar of strawberry jam that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe now!

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for reducing foaming)

Instructions

Prep the Strawberries: In a large bowl, mash the hulled strawberries with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.

Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring and watch for the consistency to thicken.

Check for Doneness: To test if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam, and if it holds its shape and doesn't immediately run back together, it’s done!

Skim Off Foam: If desired, add the tablespoon of butter to the mixture to help reduce any foaming. Use a ladle to skim off any foam that might form on the surface during cooking.

Jar the Jam: Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars while still hot, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly.

Cool and Store: Let the jars cool at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process them in a water bath for long-term storage.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | about 3 cups

- Presentation Tips: Serve with toasted baguette slices or fresh scones. You can also label your jars with pretty tags for gifts, making them perfect for special occasions!