The Best Ever Strawberry Jam

Since I've been home with Andrew, I've really been enjoying the time I get to spend at home. From just spending time with him, to baking, cooking, and sometimes catching up with my PVR, one thing I never get tired of is making jam (and that usually happens when jam goes on sale!). I'm so happy to share this recipe with you!
Seriously, this stuff is so amazing! 
It makes 8 jars; but trust me - they won't last long!
Here's the tools that you'll need:
- 8 x 250 ml jam jars with lids
- Tongs
- Sm. pot
- Lg. Pot
- Measuring cup
- Potato masher
- Knife - Oven Mitts - Large Bowl - Funnel (optional)
Ingredients:

4          1 lb containers of fresh strawberries

¼         cup of lemon juice

7          cups of sugar

1          package of liquid pectin

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees, and while waiting for the oven to heat, wash and core the strawberries.

2. Place the jars (without lids) in the oven for 10 minutes and then turn off, leaving the jars in the oven until needed. This will sterilize them and help keep them warm for the canning process.

3. Place the jar lids into a small pot of boiling water and boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. Leave the lids in the pot until needed.

4. Put the strawberries in a large pot, several at a time, and use the potato masher to mash them all up. You want to ensure there are no large chunks and have the consistency and look of strawberry salsa.

5. Once you have crushed all the strawberries, measure out 3 ¾ cups. Be sure to be as accurate as possible here, or you may throw off the recipe! I used the bowl I put the cut strawberries in for the amount needed, and saved any extra of later use (they make a good ice cream topping!), and just poured the correct amount back into the pot.

6. Turn on high heat and add in the lemon juice and sugar, then stir, sir, stir! You'll want to bring the strawberries to a rolling boil. Once at a rolling boil, continue to boil for one more minute.

7. Remove the pot from the heat and add the liquid pectin, stirring continuously for five minutes. Once you're done stirring, skim off the foamy part of the jam.

8. Pour the jam directly in the warmed jars (be sure to use gloves, the jam is super hot!). You can pour directly in the jar or use a funnel like I do (it's so much easier with one). Be sure to leave ¼ inch room at the top of the jars to allow for sealing.

9. Place the lids on and screw tight! 

10. Allow the jam to cool for 20 - 30 minutes on a cooling rack, then poke the top-middle part of the lid. You'll hear a 'pop', which is a sign that the sealing worked.

After a couple of hours, you'll start to notice the thickening of the jam which is when it's good to eat! The jam will store in the pantry for up to a year, but like I said before, they won't last that long.

These also make great gifts for friends and family, and you can even make pretty labels like I did.

I'd love to hear how your jam turned out. Let me know in the comments below.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Original recipe can be found here. Reposted with permission.

Weekend Recap

Guys, I'm so excited to tell you about our weekend - it was a good one!
It started Friday when Andrew and I did our second Fit4Baby & Me Barre class, and then headed out for lunch with the rest of the ladies. It's so nice catching up and chatting with those who are going through the same baby experiences as you. If I ever need advice, a second opinion, or even just a different place to vent, I know I can go to any one of these ladies. We've literally created our own village and it's awesome.
Saturday was so cold, and served as a reminder that Winter is on its way (even if it is only the beginning of Fall). And even though it rained pretty much most of the day, it didn't stop us from being outside for a few hours! Sadly, Doug wasn't part of any of our weekend activities as he was up north closing our trailer for the season (a very sad thought indeed).
We started the day with Eric's swimming lessons. He's getting so good at it! He's slowly, but surely getting used to putting his face in the water, and I'm super proud of him. He hates getting his face wet and usually freaks out every time it happens, but he's really try so hard and making good progress. I know it will only continue to get better from here.
After swimming, my family and I went to Puddicombe Farms to go apple picking. This is a yearly tradition. The apples are so delicious and it makes for great family time. 
These pictures include Eric, and my two nephews Logan and Riley :)

On Sunday, my Dad and Brother's work (ArcelorMittal), held a BBQ for employees and their families, where we had the opportunity to tour the plant. This is the first time they've done tours, so after about 30+ years of my Dad working there, I was finally able to see what he truly does. 

It was so much fun and the boys really enjoyed learning and seeing what Papa and Uncle Michael do for a living.

 Me, Mom, and sister Shannon

Eric, Uncle Michael, Logan 

I hope your weekend was just as fun - I can't wait to hear about it!

Fall Family Photo's

Hey There! I have something awesome to show you; our fall family photo's. We get photo's done every year and had these done a couple of weeks ago. It's something really important to us as we grow as a family. This will be our third year using the very talented Charlotte. I'm really excited to share them as I am so happy with the way they turned out!

         

        

 

Aren't they just lovely? I absolutely order them and I can't wait to order prints for our new living room redesign (which will be posted of course). I really just love everything about them and I encourage you to take a look at Charlotte's work.

Thanks for visiting!

Five on Friday!

Hello friends! Happy Friday to you! I have a day off from work today so the day is already looking good. Let's get to it shall we?
{ONE} We had family photo's this past weekend at beautiful Paletta Mansion in Burlington. A full blog post will be done on this but here is a sneak peek. I am so happy how they turned out!

{TWO} I have been back in full swing with my blog and I think I have finally found a common scheduling ground with everything else I am doing, so I'm extremely happy that it seems to be working so far.
{THREE} I created an Everyday with Lisa Facebook Page. Please like and join the fun!
{FOUR} Monday was Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful time. We hosted Doug's Aunt Pat and his two cousins, Scott and Amber, for dinner on Sunday. I went all out with turkey, potatoes, carrots, my Nana's famous broccoli and cauliflower carousal, and of course, homemade gravy made from the drippings. I also made homemade apple crumble pie (recipe to be posted soon!). It was all so delicious.

{FIVE} We went for a small hike this week up to the Devil's Punch Bowl. Sounds awful, but it's a trail that leads you to one of the best vies of the city. I caught this cute picture of Doug and Eric while we were there.

How was your week? Be sure to link up with Lauren Elizabeth and Carolina Charm.

Have a wonderful weekend loves!

Fall Family Photo's

Every year my family gets Fall photo's done and my husband Doug and I are so happy with the way they turned out this year. I think it's important to keep the family's profile up to date so we can pass on the pictures to future generations. Plus, I think it will be good for Eric to have lots of memories for when he's older. 

This was our second year using our fabulous photographer, Charlotte. You can view here website here. I would truly recommend her to anyone. She really knows her stuff and is super good (and patient) with children.

The photo's were taken at Paletta Mansion in Burlington, Ontario back in October. I can't wait to get them framed and use one for our Christmas cards this year.

Hope you enjoy!

 

 

  

 

*I am in no way affiliated with Charlotte and am not being compensated for this post.