So glad you popped in for a mid-week bonus post! The gorgeous blue sky and the warmer weather says to me, strawberry jam season is here. This week I gathered my mason jars and went to work on making some, just like I have been doing for the past 20 plus years.

What I remember about jam-making when growing up was the long, two-day process. Mom would inform my siblings and me the day before that we would have to put aside our bike riding, and tag playing in exchange for a day of strawberry picking. We spent the long, hot morning hours in the patches. In the afternoon we would drive home down the dusty dirt road, grungy and sweaty, with lots of berries in tow. Our fingers would be red and deliciously sticky.

The next day we would help hull and smash the berries to prepare for the other half of our peanut butter sandwiches all summer long. Hours later in the steam-filled, hot kitchen, mom beamed at all the strawberry jam-filled jars standing in a line to cool on our kitchen counter.

Today the process is much faster and the results are just as good. I made two batches (about 10 jars) in around three hours which includes the 10-minute drive, each way to the farm, making the jam, and cleaning up the syrupy mess. You have to try making this! The recipe is no secret and can be found inside the box of Sure-Jell pectin. If you follow the precise directions, you too can enjoy this jam for great sandwiches, an ice cream topping, or a fabulous piece of toast.  I have a few tips to keep the process easy in making this freezer type jam.

-Before you start the recipe, have your mason jars, lids, and rims sterilized 

-Mom taught me the easiest way to squash the berries is to use a 9×13 glass pan and a potato masher.

-No need to pick your own strawberries, unless you want to experience it! Most farm markets have them ready for purchase

-Wear an apron. My white, summer shirt learned the hard way

The whole jam-making process makes me happy! From the smell of the local, fresh-picked berries to the taste test on some fresh bread, I know mom would be proud knowing that our family still enjoys the taste of summer goodness. If you make a batch, please comment and let me know about your experience!