Strawberry jam

On Wednesday I traveled up to Spokane to pick some strawberries with my sister. They were free which made it well worth the drive up there. My goal was to make some delicious strawberry jam with them. Strawberry jam is my ABSOLUTE favorite kind of jam...that is if it is homemade. If it's not homemade it is really hardly worth eating as far as I'm concerned. :) Yes, I admit it, I am a jam snob! There, now you know. So back to making jam. Yesterday I had a friend over and she helped me to make this yummy concoction. I've never made freezer jam without my mom before so I was nervous that it wouldn't set up.

The first step is to measure 2 cups mashed strawberries into a bowl. Then add 4 cups...yes 4 cups...of sugar! Yum! This is mixed together and allowed to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Doesn't it look yummy?

The next step is to boil one package pectin (I used Sure-jell) with 3/4 Cup water for one minute, stirring constantly. (I tried to get these pictures next to eachother but can't figure out how...anyone know?)

Then the pectin is mixed into the strawberry mixture and stirred for 3 minutes or until all the sugar is dissolved. (No picture of that..whoops!) Then pour the jam into plastic containers.

Now, we have strawberry jam! Unfortunately, you have to wait a few hours to determine whether it set up or not, but I got lucky! A few short hours later my jam was already setting up, and this morning it was done! YEAH!

Doesn't it look delicious?? Anybody want to come have some with me?? :) Thanks mom for teaching me how to make jam!