Refrigerator Preserves

Have you found yourself with an abundance of berries or peaches and want a delicious way to use them up?  How about making refrigerator preserves?  They are delicious on toast, muffins, cornbread or biscuits.  They are sure to be a hit, and they're simple.

1 lb prepped fruit - any of the following will do:

    Strawberries, hulled

    Blueberries

    Raspberries

    Blackberries

    Peaches, unpeeled and thinly sliced

1 cup sugar

3 Tbsp lemon juice

Place your prepped fruit in a large saucepan and mash with a potato masher until mostly broken down.  

Add sugar and lemon juice and bring to a boil, stirring often over medium-high heat.

Once the sugar is completely dissolved, boil mixture, stirring until thickened and registering 217 - 220 degrees.  Remove pot from heat. Cook time will vary anywhere from 8 - 20 minutes.  Just make sure it thickens.

Place two one cup jars into a bowl and run them under hot water until heated.  Shake them dry.  Use a funnel and ladle portions of the hot jam into the jars.  

Feel free to stir in vanilla or cinnamon.  Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.