Strawberry Jam

It's strawberry season! Time to pick all those berries and make jam. Homemade jam is easier than you think. You can make fresh, delicious jam in under 30 minutes. Makes a perfect spread, filling or homemade gift! Also great with afternoon tea, high tea or cream tea!

Homemade jam makes a wonderful food gift all year long. Taking a little more effort and making your gifts from your own kitchen can go a long way in showing someone you care.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 850g sugar
• 60ml lemon juice

Method:

Place 2 small plates in the freezer before you begin cooking.

In a blender, puree 3 cups of strawberries until smooth. Set aside the coulis.

In a large saucepan, combine the remaining strawberries, sugar and lemon juice.  With a potatoes masher, roughly crush the strawberries.

Add the strawberry coulis and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently while scraping the sides and bottom of the saucepan. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 105ºC or the jam passes  the plate test*. Skim carefully while cooking.

Pour into prepare jam jars. Enjoy & put on the toast!!

Note: *
Place 2-3 small plates in the freezer before you begin cooking. Once the jam is cooked, pour a spoonful onto a chilled plate and plate it in the fridge for about 2 minutes. Tilt the plate. If the jam is thick and it runs slowly, it's ready