Homemade Quick Strawberry Preserves

Makes 3 cups.

ingredients

1 pound strawberries, trimmed and halved
3/4 cup to 1 cup sugar, to taste
4 tablespoons liquid pectin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

directions

Place strawberries in a small, heavy saucepan. With a fork, mash to a lumpy consistency. Place pan over medium-high heat and add sugar, pectin and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmering for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When preserves thicken and turn translucent, add pepper, if using. Remove preserves from heat and allow to cool. Pour into an airtight, covered container. It will keep for several weeks in refrigerator.