Strawberry Preserves

Making homemade strawberry preserves is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round. This easy-to-follow recipe uses fresh strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and salt to create a delicious and versatile preserve that can be used on everything from toast to yogurt parfaits.

The first step is to prepare the strawberries. Hull the strawberries and then cut them into small pieces. In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reached a temperature of 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). To test the temperature, insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can also do the "wrinkle test." To do this, drop a small amount of the mixture onto a cold plate and let it cool for a few minutes. If the mixture wrinkles when you push your finger against it, it is done.

Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer the mixture to hot sterile jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Seal the jars tightly and process them in a water bath for 10 minutes. Once the jars have been processed, remove them from the water bath and let them cool completely. The preserves will keep for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.

Step-by-step

• In a stockpot, combine the strawberries, sugar, vinegar and salt.
• Bring to a rolling boil, and cook stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the temperature of the mixture has reached 220 degrees F (105 degrees C).
• Transfer the mixture to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, and seal.
• Process jars for 10 minutes in a water bath.
• Refrigerate jam once the seal is broken.