Homemade Strawberry Preserves

Capture the vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries with these homemade preserves. Perfect for spreading on your favorite breakfast items or adding a fruity twist to your desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar

Let them sit for 1 hour to macerate

After an hour, transfer the strawberry mixture to a large pot and add the lemon juice

Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally

Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the preserves thicken and reach your desired consistency

Skim off any foam that forms on the surface

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract

Allow the strawberry preserves to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to clean, sterilized jars

Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation

Let the preserves cool to room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place

Enjoy your homemade strawberry preserves on toast, pancakes, or as a sweet topping for desserts!