“5 minute” strawberry jam

Still playing catch-up since getting back  last week from my trip to France and to Moscow to visit family.

Spending time with my grandma always brings back so many delicious memories. As we reminisced about childhood summers spent in her garden, I could almost taste the strawberry, raspberry, and currant jams.

My cousin and I would be tasked with picking the berries (though we ate as many as we picked, I’m sure!) and taste testing.

When gran had her large pots of jam cooking away on the stove, my favorite was the light pink foam that bubbled up to the top of the cooking strawberries. Berries and sugar – what can be a more classic combination?

Here is my updated take on “pyatiminutka,” a 5-minute quick cook strawberry jam.

Tip: the recipe is easily doubled or tripled! 

“5 minute” strawberry jam

You’ll need:

• 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 t cinnamon
• 1 t balsamic glaze

1. Clean and chop up the strawberries. If you’re lucky enough to have the smaller variety, they may be left whole or simply halved.

2. Toss cinnamon with the sugar. Add the fruit and the sugar to a pot and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer for about 5 minutes (hence the name!). Add the balsamic glaze at the very end for a punch of flavor.

4. Reduce heat, taste, and cool in a jar or bowl.

The jam will keep, covered, in the fridge for a week or two.

Thanks, grandma!