Step 1

Step Prep the strawberries. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, and remove the stems and any blemishes. Cut the strawberries into small pieces, about the size of a quarter. Use a potato masher to begin breaking down the strawberries to release some of their juices.

Step 2

Step In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a potato masher to gently mash the strawberries, to break them down further.

Step 3

Step After the jam has simmered for 20-25 minutes, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

Step Once you've added the vanilla extract, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer the jam to a canning jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. You can store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.