All-Natural Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 Box fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

   • Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries.

2. Cook the Strawberries:

   • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries.Add sugar, and lemon juice.

3. Simmer the Mixture:

   • Place the saucepan over medium heat.
   •  Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the strawberries release their juices.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. 
   • Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Blend the Sauce (Optional):

   • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
   • If you like a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.

5. Add Vanilla (Optional):

   • If using, stir in the vanilla extract after blending.

6. Cool the Sauce:

   • Let the strawberry sauce cool to room temperature. 
   • It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a clean jar.

7. Store:

   • Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate. 
   • The strawberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry sauce on ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or as a topping for cheesecake and other desserts!