Strawberry Jam

Spring time is here and there is nothing better then fresh berries.  You can use berries in so many desserts but I love to make fresh Jam with them.  As I was growing up my mom would make Jam every year.  The first time she taught Aubrey (my husband) and I  how to make the jam we broke a wooden spoon in the blender and had hundreds of little wooden pieces through out the strawberry puree.  What a disaster!   But now we can make wonderful jam that is so much better then anything you will ever buy on the shelf at a store.  So here is your chance to make your own jam, its not hard so do not be scared.
           First you need to wash all the jars in steaming hot water, put a small pot on the stove half full of water bring to a  boil and then put both parts of the lids in the boiling water.  Turn off the heat and let stand until ready to use. ( tip: you cannot reuse the seal part of the lid.  Make sure they are new so you get the best seal)
           Second you will need a big stockpot and blender.
Ingredients:        makes 8 cups

7 cups of sugar
4 cups pureed fresh strawberries
1 certo packet
2 tablespoons of butter

Directions:
1.  Buy fresh strawberries (I feel that locally grown berries have a greater flavor and color)

2.  Clean your strawberries ( do not run water over your berries unless you would like runny jam.  After many trials, my mom found that if you just wipe the berries with a wet paper towel the berries will not absorb any extra water.)
3.  Cut off the tops of the berries, and then cup strawberries into pieces and throw into the blender.
4.  Do not pack your blender, puree through out so that berries are smooth.
5.  Stock pot:  place all the sugar and the puree stir well and bring to a boil.  As you are waiting for the boil add the butter (the butter will help the foam to stay low)
6.  Once the mixture has come to a roaring boil add the certo packet.

7.  Stir constantly for one minute and then remove from the heat.

   8.  Skim off the foam into an extra bowl, you will not keep this
   9.  Time to jar: make sure the inside of the jars are dry.  Use a ladle and start to fill the jars, try to get as full as you can.  Once all the jars are filled, remove the lid parts from the hot water and dry off.  Place the seal on and then twist on the other part very tightly.
   10.  Place jars upside down on the counter, this will help the seal be tight while the jam is cooling.  After the jam has sat for a few hours store or give to your friends and family.