Strawberry Marmalade: The Best Summer Jam

When summer is just around the corner, I start thinking of strawberry marmalade...the perfect gift for teachers at the end of the year, and the best topping for waffles, pancakes, biscuits, you name it.

I'll admit, it's definitely not on my anti-inflammatory diet. But it is delicious, and a summer staple in my cabinet. I'm not a huge fan of plain orange marmalade, but adding the sweetness from fresh strawberries to the kick of citrus from oranges and lemons is pure perfection.

Warning: the aroma in your kitchen is about to be fantastic!

First, peel the oranges and lemons, setting the peel aside.

Remove as much of the white membrane as you can and discard.

Chop peels and place in a large saucepan.

Add water and baking soda. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Section oranges and lemons and remove as many seeds as you can see. Add them to the saucepan. Mash the fruit, releasing the juice, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. (Breaking the segments in half helps with the mashing and deseeding!)

While the citrus is cooking, hull the strawberries and mash them, adding them to the pan after the citrus is done.

Add sugar and pectin and mix well. Boil uncovered for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Skim off the foam.

Your delicious marmalade is ready to be canned! (If you've never canned before, it's easier than you think! HERE is a great step-by-step on canning basics.)

Voila! A beautiful, delicious summer treat!

INGREDIENTS 2 Medium Oranges 2 Medium Lemons 1/2 Cup Water 1/8 tsp Baking Soda 1-1/2 quarts Ripe Strawberries 7 cups Sugar 4 tbs Real Fruit Instant Pectin DIRECTIONS 1. Peel oranges and lemons, setting peel aside. Discard white membrane. Chop peels and place in large saucepan. 2. Add water and baking soda. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. 3. Break citrus segments in half, removing seeds, and add to saucepan. Mash the fruit, then cover mixture and simmer another 20 minutes. 4. Hull strawberries and mash, then add to citrus mixture. Add sugar and pectin, then bring to a boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. 5. Remove from heat, skim off foam, then can.