Strawberries were $1.25/lb a couple weeks ago, so I got more than I usually would to make some jam. Ever since I made raspberry jam and realized how good homemade is, I don’t tolerate store bought very well. Bonne Maman is the only thing I’ve found that even comes close, and why pay $4 for a jar of delicious jam when you can make your own for less than $1 a jar?
So I made a simple jam, and it’s just amazing how boiling few ingredients can make something so delicious. It is the concentrated flavor of perfect, sweetened & ripe strawberries, and pretty much makes everything you put it on taste like heaven.
The second best part is it’s so easy to make! The butter in it keeps it from foaming, so you don’t need to skim it, and you don’t have to boil the jars after filling them. Perfect for a lazy (or first time) canner like me.
Simple Strawberry Jam
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
2 lbs strawberries, stemmed & hulled
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and heat over medium-high heat while mashing with a potato masher. Mash it as smooth or chunky as you like, and continue to stir the mixture while boiling it. Boil until the jam reaches 220 degrees, or until it gels up when you put a spoonful on a frozen plate and stick it in the freezer for a minute. You’ll know it’s getting there when it turns from watery to starting to get thick and coating your spoon. Using a funnel (this is my favorite for canning), pour into sterilized jars, then screw on the lids and allow to sit until sealed. Jars may be stored in refrigerator for up to a month. For instructions on how to can the jam to keep it at room temperature for up to a year, click the recipe link below.
Recipe source: adapted from Sweet & Savory by Shinee
Oh, and if you’re interested, the bread I used for my photos is non-alcoholic honey beer bread. Made the Buttery Soft Beer Bread with a bottle of non-alcoholic beer (Beck’s) and used local raw honey in place of sugar. So good!
Veronica's Cornucopia 
sounds so simple! love it.
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Thanks, Sarah!
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Yum! My Mom and I canned some strawberry jam two summers ago and I just finished our last jar a few weeks ago. This recipe looks super simple; I’ll have to show it to my Mom and maybe we can “can jam” again! Haha, we listen to Simon & Garfunkel while we can. Idk why, it’s just “a thing” we do!
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That is so awesome and so special, Erin. I love that tradition. I hope you pass it on to your son.
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You are so right. There is nothing better than homemade!
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Right?!
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I love making jams! That looks delish, and I too use the butter method. I guess we both discovered that jam is insulin worthy! :D
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Totally!!
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Pectin kind of freaks me out (not sure why), so I’m so glad to see this recipe dispenses with it! Definitely trying this.
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Yeah I feel ya. It doesn’t exactly freak me out but it’s so annoying to have to buy it when you can make jam without it! As long as you’re using sugar. No sugar = get the pectin. lol
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I love strawberry jam! I’m going to have to try this recipe soon!
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Thanks Melissa!
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How lovely & yummy! Sure would love some on some fresh baked bread. Pinning! Love how you did the font and berries on the bread…what a clever you! XO
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