Homemade Strawberry Jam

While growing up, my grandma would make the family strawberry jam every summer.  We looked forward to receiving some  every year.   She has been gone now for nine years.   We still often think of grandma and her delicious jam.  

A couple of weeks ago when I picked all those strawberries, I told my mom that wanted to make grandma's jam.  When she told me that the secret recipe was actually very simple, I was shocked.   I knew right then I was going to make some of my own.  If you would like to try and  make your own jam, I have linked to items I have used in this post. They are affiliate links.  

Seriously had I know how easy  this was  before, I would have made this jam years ago.  All you need is 4 cups of sliced strawberries, 4 cups of sugar, and a box of Sure-Jell.  (Sure-jell is not paying me for this post, it really was  my grandma's preferred brand)    I smashed the berries in a large bowl using a potato masher. As I smashed them, they began to turn into strawberry juice.  

I added the sugar to the strawberries one cup at a time. Stirring each time to make sure the sugar dissolves.  Once all the sugar is added, allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. While the strawberries sit, it is time to make the pectin.  Add one box of Sure-jell to 3/4 cups of water and boil on high, while stirring constantly.  Allow it to boil for one minute, and remove from heat. 

Pour the pectin into the bowl with the fruit, and stir until all of the pectin has been dissolved.  It is now ready to pour into your jars. I loved these wide mouth mason jars for my jam.   This recipe will make 5 cup size jars of jam.  Cover, and allow to stand at room temperature for 24 hours.  The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or in the freezer for one year.   

This jam is so yummy and sweet. We have been eating it on toast in the morning, and as an ice cream topping at night.  It don't think it is going to last very long.  One entire jar is already gone.