Freshest Strawberry Jam

= Description = Makes 2½ cups.

Ingredients

 * 5 cups fresh California strawberries, stemmed
 * 4 cups of sugar
 * ¾ cup water
 * 1 package (1¾ ounces) powdered fruit pectin

Directions

 * 1) Crush strawberries completely.
 * 2) Measure 2 cups strawberries with juices into bowl.
 * 3) Thoroughly mix in sugar; set aside 10 minutes.
 * 4) Combine water and pectin in saucepan.
 * 5) Bring to boil and boil one minute, stirring constantly.
 * 6) Stir pectin mixture into strawberries; continue stirring 3 minutes.
 * 7) Ladle quickly into sterilized freezer jars or containers, allowing ½-inch headspace.
 * 8) Cover lids.
 * 9) Let stand at room temperature 24 hours.
 * 10) Store in freezer.
 * 11) If jam is to be used with 2 or 3 weeks, store in refrigerator.