Homemade Strawberry Jam

 

Hi Friends!  I thought it was about time to share our recipe for Homemade Strawberry Jam.

When I took the girls strawberry picking a few weeks ago we chatted about trying to make jam so we made it happen!

I feel like picking berries is a quintessential New England Summer activity.  How about you?  Maybe it is just a summer activity here in the U.S?  Please weigh in from your area!  Would love to know if you pick berries or even any kind of fruit during the summer months.

Anyway, here we go.  Now keep in mind, as I read and researched, I learned that the best way to make jam is in small batches.  That is how it comes out tasting and looking the best.  I mean seriously, the color is gorgeous!

Here is what you will need


Ingredients

 
1 lb. fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, add the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. You will notice the strawberries start to feel mushy and the juice coming out.

 

 

Cook the strawberry mixture over medium low heat. Stir continuously and slowly bring the mixture to a boil. The mixture will get foamy. Continue to boil for about 15 minutes, or until the jam starts to thicken and its internal temperature reaches 220 F. A digital thermometer is very helpful to get the quick measurement. You will also notice the foam disappear at this point.


 
 Turn off the heat and keep stirring to cool it down a bit. Pour the jam into a mason jar and allow to cool down to room temperature. Seal the jar and store in the refrigerator






 Highly recommend!  Not only is the end product delicious but making it is so much fun :)

Hello Monday (July 10 2023)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Sarah and I are so glad you are here.  If you blogged about your weekend, grab our graphic above and link back up with us below!

I first need to share some sad news.  My Best Friend Lea's Mom lost her battle with ovarian cancer this weekend.  Our hearts are broken for Lea and her Dad.  She really pushed on and lived life as best as she could.  It is just a very sad time for my friend and her family so we are supporting them as best as we can.  Rest In Peace Donna- you will never be forgotten XO

Here is Donna and My Mom a few years ago- much healthier and happier times

and on a happier note, we are proud of Diana for becoming a Certified Baby Sitter through the "Safe Sitter" Program.  She now knows how to change a diaper, do CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver and so much more.  She is now accepting babysitting jobs and can't wait to start.  She already has some favorites- so cute!

 

Now, I am going to start our recap with Thursday Night!

Thursday Night

The girls went to my parents for a visit and sleepover on Thursday so that night, after work, Rob and I had a relaxing dinner at home and watched a few episodes of Friday Night Lights.  Remi was pleased that we crashed early and it was so nice to decompress!

This is the candle we are lighting right now as it gets us excited to see the Amalfi Coast- Laurel gifted me with this gem :)

Friday

First thing, because the girls were still at my parents, Rob and I headed out for a long date walk before we got our days started.  I LOVE LOVE early summer mornings when sprinklers are first coming on and everything is so quiet except for the hum of air conditioners.  It felt so good! (Forgot to take pics- guess I was enjoying the moment)

 

Once the girls got back, Eva headed right out to a play date at Charlotte's.  

 

 

Diana floated in the pool with a book!

 

 

That night, the four of us enjoyed cooking on the grill again- another perk of Summer :)

 

 Saturday

Rob and I headed out first thing for a date walk.  Loved that we could get out a few times in between all of the rain we have been experiencing.

After coffee, I headed to a quick appointment and then we got ready for the big Softball Cookout.  I made the Rolo Ritz Bars and a huge fruit salad...and I may have made some fun Jello shots for the adults too ;)

 

The shenanigans in the pool were the funniest I have seen- could not stop laughing!

 

We were there all day and night and all had a blast!

Sunday

We had a nice easy morning and start to our day.  I made Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins (will share the recipe soon AND I used the rest of our homemade jam in them!) and did the meal planning and grocery ordering and some organization for the week as the girls start Triple Threat Theater Camp and we all go in different directions.

 

Then Mama and Diana did "Shania- The Next Generation".  We went with Cass and Alexis to a late lunch/early dinner at Red's and then our driver picked us up and we headed down to the Xfinity Center in Mansfield MA to see this legend who we love so much!

Cass and I went twice in our twenties, once in 2017 and this time we decided to include our oldest daughters and pass on this tradition.

She did not disappoint and I promise to share more pics and videos this week!

Hope you all had an amazing summer weekend!

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Sylvie Lynn- A Very Special Friday Favorite

 

Well friends I have wonderful news to share!  My Stepdaughter Kayla and her husband Marshall welcomed their first child and on the 4th of July!

Sylvie Lynn Kennedy was born on 7/4/2023 and weighed in at 7 pounds and 4 ounces- how cool is that? She was also 20 inches long.

What is the most cool, however, is that she was born on Grammy's (Rob's Mom's) Birthday- we know that Grammy made this happen!  She was born on the Fourth of July!

 

We got to meet her in the hospital and just saw how perfect she really is!

We are so proud of Kayla and so happy for her and Marshall

 

3 Generations

 

Eva Couldn't Wait to be an Auntie!

 

Welcome to the family Baby Sylvie!