Quick strawberry jam

Method

1. Put the strawberries, lemon juice and sugar into a large bowl and mix together gently. Cover with a tea towel and leave somewhere cool (not the fridge) overnight.
2. Next day, put 2 saucers in the freezer and sterilise 8 jam jars (see tips). Transfer the mixture to a large, deep pan (at least 4.5 litres) and heat gently, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Stir in the butter and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for 8 minutes, then remove from the heat and check if the jam has reached setting point: spoon a little onto one of the saucers and after 2 minutes, push your finger through. If it wrinkles into a peak, it’s ready. If not, boil for 2-3 minutes more, then re-test.
4. Remove from the heat, skim off any scum and leave to cool for 15 minutes until the fruit stays suspended in the jam after you’ve stirred it. Ladle into warm, sterilised jars and cover with waxed discs and lids. The jam will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.