Simple Strawberry Preserves
Yum, and yum some more.
1 part fresh ripe strawberries
1 part fresh green strawberries
2 parts sugar
4 tbsp lemon juice
Wash and uncap your strawberries, then slice thinly and mix with the lemon juice. Try to lightly coat each piece in the juice. In a large pot, spread a thin layer of sugar, then lay a single layer of strawberries, then another layer of sugar. Keep layering until you run out of berries, always beginning and ending with a layer of sugar. When you've finished, cover the pot and leave undisturbed for about an hour, or until the sugar is soaked with the strawberry juice. Add in a little water and stir, making sure there is no dry sugar. Begin to heat the mixture, starting with a low heat until the sugar has melted. Bring to a boil carefully, there is a slight danger of burning youself...the mixture will be very hot. Add water if the mixture seems to sluggish, then reduce heat to a low simmer and allow to sit for half an hour, stirring occasionally. When the strawberries have fallen to bits, you're almost done. Scrape off the foam and pour (carefully!) into hot, sterilized jars and process for about five minutes.
