Here's an easy way to make a small batch of jam--one or two jars.
Berries, peaches, apricots, etc.
Sugar
Butter
In a large Pyrex cup or bowl, chop or mash fruit to make about 3 cups. Add sugar to equal one-half of the fruit (that is, for 3 cups of prepared fruit, use 1 1/2 cups sugar.) Add 1/2 teaspoon of butter. Mix well.
Cover loosely and microwave on High for 5 minutes. Stir again. Microwave uncovered in two-minute increments until it begins to jell when dribbled from a spoon.
Can't tell when it's jelled? It will be sticky but not thick. If you're not sure, put a tablespoonful on a plate to cool in the fridge. You can always cook it more later. Cooking time varies widely with the fruit: I cooked this batch of strawberry a total of 9 minutes, 5+2+2.
Place in clean jar. Refrigerate or freeze after it's cooled.
