Recipe- Strawberry Refrigerator Jam

Yesterday, my almost 3-year-old and I went strawberry picking at an organic farm.  She wasn't really too interested.  There was a lot of waiting.  Waiting to be given a row to pick, waiting for me to pick them, waiting to pay and waiting to eat them.   She sure does love strawberries.  She was much happier once we got home and tasted the juicy fresh strawberries.

In an over-ambitious attempt at 9:30 last night, I decided to make some refrigerator jam.  I am completely impressed with how easy this was to make.  Our daughter ate it today on her Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich.  The results:  She ate it up!

Strawberry Refrigerator Jam (makes about 3/4 cup)
(this recipe comes from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook -- my favorite go-to cookbook!)


3/4 cup sliced strawberries (use an egg slicer if you have one)
1/4 cup and 2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice (great to have in the freezer for a late night recipe)

1. Place a glass bowl in the freezer or in ice water.

2. Add all ingredients in non-stick saucepan.  Cook on medium low for about 10 minutes.  Sauce will thicken to jam consistency.
3. To test the consistency of the jam, place 1/2 tsp on hot jam in cold bowl.  Let it set for 30 seconds.  If it runs slowly (or slightly from side to side) then it's done.  If it's too fluid give it a couple more minutes in the saucepan until it thickens.
4.  Allow one hour to cool and store in refrigerator.

This will refrigerate for up to two weeks in an airtight container. 

Check out more great recipes at The Grocery Cart Challenge and Life as Mom!