Strawberry Jam

Today my sister came up to visit with me and we decided to take a stab at making our own jam... After we started hulling and mashing the strawberries the aroma of strawberries filled the air and we knew it was going to be good!

You can start this whole process by rinsing and hulling all your strawberries. Once that is done place them all on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Next, the mashing process begins... this is when the smell of strawberries really fills the air!!!

While she was smashing the strawberries I turned two pans of water onto medium heat at a simmer. The larger pan I filled 3/4 of the way full with water and submerged the mason jars...

The smaller pot I also filled 3/4 of the way full and placed in the inner ring of the lids...

While the jars and lids soak in the simmering water add the strawberries to a large pot and get the juice of one lemon. We juiced ours over a screen into a bowl so no seeds fell in. Then add it to the pot of strawberries.

Put the pan of strawberries over medium heat and let come to boil...

As the mixture comes to a boil quickly add in the pectin and the sugar...

Mix together and let come to a hard boil... then remove from heat and place on counter top. Now we get to put the jam in the jars!! Using the jar tongs remove one jar from the pot of water, drain, and place on counter near jam.

Place the jar funnel in the jar and scoop in jam until right under the lip of the jar... With the air lifter tool slide it around the edges of the jar to remove any air bubbles.

Wipe the outside of the jar clean with a warm rag. Using the magnet tool pick up one lid from the simmering water...

Gently screw on the outer ring of the lid, not too tight, and set on the counter. Repeat this process for the remaining jars... Once all jars are filled and lids are on. Bring pot of water back to boil and place the jars in the pot.

Let the jars sit in the boiling water for 15 minutes. Then turn the heat off and let sit in the water for an additional 15 minutes. Remove with tongs and place on counter to be undisturbed for 24 hours. Make sure all of your jars have sealed shut (when you push down on lid it doesn't pop back). If it does pop back just put in the refrigerator. Otherwise you can store the rest of the jars! Enjoy your homemade jam!