1tsppure vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp of vanilla paste
20headselderflower
Preparation
Strawberries: Wash and cut the strawberries in half into a large saucepan.
Using your hand or a potato masher, squish and crush them so they release their juices.
Mix in the sugar and the vanilla.
Elderflowers: Check that the elderflowers are completely free from any small bugs and place them into a cheese cloth, tie a string around it to create a small parcel and place it in the strawberry mix.If you don't have a cheese cloth then you can add them directly to the strawberry mix ensuring they are pressed down under the liquid.
Cover the pan and place in the fridge overnight to allow time for the elderflower to flavour the strawberries.
Day 2: Remove the pan from the fridge and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil for 5 minutes.
Now remove the elderflowers from the pan and continue to boil, stirring often.
Jar preparation: Wash thoroughly enough jars for 1.8-2 kg (3.3-4.4 lbs) of jam.I personally like to place my jars in the oven at 130°C fan / 265F / Gas 1/2 for 30 minutes to sterilise them. If you prefer to use a different method please do. The important thing is to put the delicious jam into sterilised jars.
Testing jam: If you have a thermometer, check after 45-60 minutes to see if the mixture has reached 105°C / 220°F. Retest every 10-15 minutes.If you don't have a thermometer you can place 3 small plates in the freezer to check the consistency. After 45-60 minutes take a teaspoon of the boiling jam and place it on one of the cold plates, place it back in the freezer for a minute. Then remove and push your finger through the jam, if the jam leaves a trail then it is ready. Otherwise retest every 10-15 minutes until your finger creates a trail through the jam.
Jar filling: Transfer the strawberry jam into the hot sterile jars, leaving 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) of space at the top, and seal with a lid.Turn the jars upside down and leave for an extra 5 minutes once you have finished packing and sealing all of them.
Full sterilisation: To ensure the jars are fully sterile, I place an open towel or blanket into a container, which I then place all the jars (right way up) into. Tuck the towel over and around the jars and leave until the jars have cooled completely.