Strawberry Chia Jam

Who doesn't love strawberries?!?!?! I know we sure do. During this season, I am buying strawberries every week. One thing I also love is good bread with jam. One thing I do not like is all the sugar that comes with it.

I decided to try out this three ingredient jam. I already had all the ingredients in my cupboard, so why not?

I knew this was a great jam to whip up because I don't have to feel complete guilty for smothering my bread with it.

Yield: 2 half pint jars

• 24 oz strawberries or fruit of choice (fresh or frozen) --if fruit is large, slice it into pieces first 
• 2-4 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or agave (I used honey) 
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds 

*You can also add in some optional ingredients such as aged balsamic vinegar (good with berry jams), ginger or cinnamon (good with stone fruit jams), vanilla or almond extract orange or lemon zest. 

*I included the balsamic vinegar and vanilla in my jam 

1. In medium saucepan, combine the fruit and 2 tablespoons honey. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to liquefy (about 5 to 10 minutes for berries, longer for firmer fruits). Once the fruit is liquidy, bring it to a gentle boil and let it cook until it breaks down and becomes saucy, about 5 minutes. Mash lightly to reach your desired consistency. 
2. Taste jam for sweetness. Add in more honey a few teaspoons at the time until desired taste. Stir in any other additional mix-ins. 
3. Stir in the chia seeds and let cook one minute. Remove pan from heat, stir one more time and let sit for 10 minutes. The jam will thicken as it cools. If it seems very thin, add 1 to 2 additional teaspoons of chia seeds. Let it sit for 10 more minutes. 
4. Transfer to airtight container. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks and freezer for up to 2 months. 

Now I need to make some bread! 

P.S Easy way to take the stem from strawberries without wasting. . . use a straw and poke through the bottom and up the top. The stem will pop right out. I use a hard plastic straw that is reusable.