Simple Strawberry Jam , I love the sound of popping jars!!

My daughter's love Strawberry Jam and go through it like crazy!  When I find strawberries on sale, I usually grab three containers and proceed to make jam.  This is SO much cheaper and tastes 100 times better!!




Strawberry Jam
5 cups hulled and mashed strawberries
7 cups of sugar (crazy I know, but so good)
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 49gram package of powdered fruit pectin
pat of butter

1. Place eight 8 ounce mason jars in a large hot water bath canner and cover with water and bring to a simmer.
2. In a separate pot put the center and lids in a pot of water and simmer.
3. Place the mashed strawberries and lemon juice in a third pot and stir in the pectin until dissolved.  Next, you want to bring the strawberries to a strong boil. 
4. Add the sugar and the pat of real butter, I like to go ahead and measure it out ahead of time, then return the mixture to a full boil.  When the mixture can't be stirred down when boiling, boil for another 2 minutes. 
5. If there is any foam on the top, skim it off.  The pat of butter should make the foam minimal.
6. Remove one jar at a time from the pot and with a large mouth funnel fill the jars so they have 1/4 inch space left at the top. Repeat this until all of the jars are full or jam is gone.
7. Take a knife and run it down the side of the jar to get rid of any air bubbles that may there.
8. Next, you want to wipe down the jars makig sure there isn't any residue left on the edges.  Take the lids and centers out of the pot and screw bands on the jars, making sure not to over tighten. 
9. When all of the jars are secured, put them in the canning rack and place them back into the water with the lid on.  Boil for 10-12 minutes.
10. Turn off the heat and let them rest for an additional 5 minutes before you take them out.
11. Remove jars carefully with a jar lifter and place them on the counter where they can remain undisturbed for 24 hours.  Let the popping begin!!