POP!

 I love the sound of that little telltale POP! coming from the kitchen that lets me know my jellies and chutneys are properly insulated. Ooh! There it goes again! Three more and I’ll know they’re all ready for the pantry.

This is strawberry jam with balsamic reduction to give it richness and depth, and a little black pepper, just for the sass. It’s better than anything I can find in the stores. I don’t manage to make it every year, and when I don’t, I’m always sorry. Not only is it good on a croissant, but I love it on a ham sandwich. Or all by itself, licked off a spoon when I’m standing in the open fridge door. The lemon chutney is good that way, too.

Maybe this isn’t a strawberry’s immortality, but it IS a lovely reminder of strawberry season much later on, when there’s not a local berry to be had. This is something worth working up a sweat for and a sticky I don’t mind cleaning, although I really shouldn’t be mopping up the kitchen with my tongue.

Oops…did I type that out loud?!