Fresh Strawberry Jam

Ingredients:
1lb (usually a container) Fresh Strawberries
1 cup local honey (more to taste if desired) or 1-1/2 cups sugar
2 to 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 plus more Lemon zest

Directions:
Wash and remove tops of strawberries makes sure if there are any “white shoulders” on the strawberries to remove them as well. Add them to a saucepan and bring up the heat to let them weep. You will need to do this gently to release the juices of the strawberries. Stir the strawberries for a few minutes then add the honey or sugar ( can use a sugar substitute). Bring this to a boil. Add them lemon juice and zest. Boil for about 15-20 minutes tiring so the jam doesn’t burn. This is what will firm the jam so make sure it’s a hard boil or 220 degrees. I use a potato masher to press down remaining parts of the strawberry. You could use a fork. There may not be any bits of strawberry remaining as the boil should be a hard boil which will “mash” the berries. Pour mixture into your jar and allow to cool. Then cover once cool and refrigerate. Enjoy!

*optional strain jam first, then pour into jar for a more velvety texture.
(I don’t use pectin so you will need to use this jam quickly. It will last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.