Vera's Strawberry Preserves

I love Vera's directions for this recipe. Get ready for a work out! Vera wrote in the margins "The shaking is the secret of success! It causes the berries to absorb the syrup and remain plump and whole. Never cook more than 2 quarts at a time and be sure to SHAKE THE BERRIES!" I know this makes 2 quarts, but am guessing at the servings. Cooking time does not include cooling time.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2  quarts strawberries, stemmed
• 9  cups sugar
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. Put sugar and water into a large kettle.
2. Stir and boil until sugar is well dissolved.
3. Add the strawberries. "Shake".
4. Boil 15 minutes at a rolling boil. "Shake more".
5. DO NOT STIR BERRIES!
6. Shake kettle while boiling, skimming any scum with a metal spoon. "You haven't shaken enough".
7. Pour into flat pans or trays, shaking here and there until cooled "Shake until you think you've shaken enough. Now shake again".
8. For best results, shake as often as possible while cooking and cooling!