strawberry jam

there is absolutely nothing like the first strawberries of the year. All I could think of, picking my bowl of berries tonight was... is it too late at night to start a batch of jam? Never! If it's light enough to pick the berries, it won't be dark before they are in the jars.

 Making the jam

fresh strawberries (need about 5 - 6 cups)
1/4 cup lemon juice
7 cups sugar
1 pouch pectin

Wash and hull the berries and cut them up a bit. Mash one layer at a time until you have 3 3/4 cups mashed strawberries. Add lemon juice and sugar. Heat over high heat in a pot that looks much too big for a bit of jam, because it is going to boil up quite a ways. Stir constantly and bring to hard boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the pectin. Stir, skimming off the foam for a few minutes.
While still hot, pour into clean, sterile jars. Cap with clean sterile lids and seal.