STRAWBERRY PRESERVES WITH PECTIN RECIPES

Steps:

• In a wide bowl, crush strawberries in batches until you have 4 cups of mashed berry. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don't bother with processing, and just refrigerate.

Steps:

• Wash and hull the strawberries, and place them in a saucepan with a splash of water and lemon juice (if using). Mash with a potato masher and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they've released their juices.
• Strain the strawberry pulp through a jelly bag or dampened cheesecloth for at least 2 hours, preferably longer for a better yield.
• It takes roughly 4 pounds of strawberries to make the 4 cups of juice needed for this recipe. If you're a bit short for any reason, add water or fruit juice.
• Bring the juice to a boil on the stovetop and add the powdered pectin. (Don't add the sugar yet.) Return the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to distribute the pectin, and boil hard for about a minute.
• Add the sugar, and return to a boil. (This is important, don't add the sugar until last or the strawberry jelly may not set.)
• Boil hard for about 1 minute, and then pour into prepared canning jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
• Store in the refrigerator, or process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the jars to stand in the canner for an additional 5 minutes before removing them to cool.
• Check seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.