Making Strawberry Jam is fun!
If you have never tried your hand at
canning, a great place to start is with jam. You will need: canning
jars with lids and new rings, fruit pectin (I used the Ball brand
this time around, but Certo and SureJell work just fine),
strawberries, sugar, lemon and just a smidge of butter. Make sure
you have a pair of tongs, a large stock pot deep enough to put the
jars in, cover them with water and let them boil, and a potato
masher. Specialized canning equipment can make things a little
easier, but it is really not necessary. Just follow the directions
in the packet of pectin.
If you have someone to show you how to
can the first time out, that is always the best. But, I would not
be afraid to give it a go on your own. There is one point in the
canning process, when you are filling the sterilized jars with the
cooked jam, that you will wish for a second that you had three
hands, but other than that, smooth sailing. And few things are more
satisfying that the happy "POP!" of a ball jar sealing. Happy
Canning!