March Mastery Jam

Use fresh berries and a hint of lemon to make this delectable homemade jam in honor of the March Mastery Challenge. It's a year-round treat that strikes the ideal ratio between sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh berries strawberries, raspberries, or a mix
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 packet of pectin

Instructions:

After washing and hulling the berries, mash them with a fork or potato masher

Put the water, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and crushed berries in a big pot

Over medium heat, stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves

The mixture should begin to boil, at which point you should add the pectin and boil for another one to two minutes, or until the jam thickens and passes the gel test jam drops on a cold plate should set

Skim any foam from the top of the jam and remove the saucepan from the heat

After sterilizing the jars, ladle the hot jam into them, leaving a headspace of about 1/4 inch

To ensure proper preservation, seal the jars with lids and bands and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes

When storing the jars in a cool, dark location, let them cool to room temperature

Make sure the seals are airtight by checking them

Indicate the type of jam and the preparation date on the jar labels

Savor your homemade March Mastery Jam as a delectable topping for toast, or use it to infuse flavor into your favorite recipes