The kids picked strawberries at a local farm when they were here last weekend. The strawberries were lovely, and very ripe. Fearful that they would be past their prime if they were left to sit for another day, we decided to make jam. Turned out to be a great decision. With very little effort, we ended up with two half pint jars of great tasting strawberry jam.

Simple Strawberry Jam (With thanks to Ina Garten)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pints very ripe strawberries
zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cups sugar

Method:

1. Wash the strawberries carefully and remove all stems and leaves. If the strawberries are large, cut them in halves or quarters. Set them aside.
2. Put the sugar, zest, and lemon juice in a small heavy pot. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Sugar will dissolve.
3. Add the strawberries. Mix and cook over low to medium heat for about 20 minutes. Keep at a low boil until the mixture thickens.
4. Let the mixture cool for a bit before ladling into glass jars. Refrigerate.