Microwave Strawberry Jam

Very simple! Check out this microwave-made, small-batch strawberry jam. Cooked in 15 minutes, and cleanup is simple.

Ingredients :

• 2 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered (from about 1 pound)

• 2 teaspoons orange zest

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/2 cup sugar (can use 1/4 cup if you would like your jam less sweet)

STEPS :

     1. Toss the berries with orange zest, lemon juice, and sugar, then rest :

In a sizable dish (with a capacity of at least 10 cups) or 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup that is microwave-safe, combine the quartered strawberries, orange zest, lemon juice, and sugar.

Mix gently to ensure that the sugar is well distributed throughout the strawberries. Let to macerate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

     2. Microwave in 5 minute intervals :

Put the strawberry bowl in the microwave on a plate (to catch any spills that may occur). Cook in 5-minute intervals on high, stirring gently after each 5-minute period.

Take close attention to prevent overflowing of the mixture. If it starts to bubble excessively and overflow, transfer the mixture to a bigger, microwave-safe basin and proceed.

When the liquid in the jam mixture begins to gradually thicken and turn syrupy, the jam is finished. It won't be thick like conventional jam because it's heated. When it cools, it should get thicker.

     3. Pour into the jar, let cool, then chill :

In a jar, pour the heated jam. After allowing it to cool to room temperature, keep in the fridge.

Even after chilling, if the jam is still too runny and watery, it might need to be microwaved for an additional few minutes.

Before eating, place in the fridge or freezer (leaving 1 inch headspace in the jar to account for the expansion of the liquid as it freezes into ice).