3 lbs whole strawberries, hulled (if you like a smoother texture, you can chop or slice the berries. I happen to like big sweet slugs of strawberry in my jammy syrup.)
¾ lb granulated sugar
4 T balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 packets commercial liquid pectin
Instructions
Combine sugar and berries in a large pot and heat over a medium high flame, stirring frequently.
Add pectin according to the package instructions.
Skim off foam as it rises to the top.
Test for set (after about 15-20 minutes) by dropping a spoonful on a cold dish and seeing if it holds together to your satisfaction -- I like a soft set, but others like a firmer set. If you like a very firm jam, you might want to use 2 packets of pectin. If it's not set, keep cooking and stirring, and test periodically until it is.
When the jam has set, ladle into hot, sterilized jars. Leave ¼ inch space between the top of the jar and the lid.
Close lids tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. (Make sure the jars are completely submerged in the boiling water). Let cool, and remove rings for storage (if you remove the rings, you'll know if a jar has lost its seal and needs to be eaten immediately or thrown away. ) Jam is a pretty low-risk canning operation, due to all the sugar and the acid, both of which act as preservatives.
Notes
I didn't use the pectin in the pictured jam, so my jam is a bit runnier than I'd ordinarily make. It tastes divine though, and is perfectly acceptable on toast with a little ricotta, on yogurt, on a spoon ...
Recipe by The Domestic Front at http://www.thedomesticfront.com/strawberries/