Marsha Simkin lives in Joplin, Missouri and has spent much of her life learning the almost lost arts of home cooking, decorating, entertaining, gardening and many other everyday activities.  She is a wealth of knowledge on almost any domestic matter.  And if she doesn't know an answer, she will find one or just figure it out for herself.  If you have a particular question for Marsha or would like to see an article on a particular topic, you may contact her by e-mail at Marsha@CottagesandGardens.com.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed strawberries (1 qt of fully ripened fresh strawberries)
• 4 cups sugar
• 1 box Sure - Jell or other fruit pectin
• 3/4 cup water

 Instructions:

1.     Wash fresh strawberries then drain well.  Slice strawberries into desired size.

2..   Mix strawberries and sugar thoroughly, then set aside for 10 minutes.

3.     Stir Sure-Jell/fruit pectin with water in saucepan and bring to a boil allowing to boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

4.     Stir two mixes together until sugar is completely dissolved and is no longer grainy (about 3 minutes).  Pour contents into plastic containers and cover.  Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.  Jam is now ready to use.  Store in freezer (thaw in refrigerator) or refrigerator.

Makes about 5 one-cup containers of jam.