Maybe, just maybe

fig. a: toast & jam

To paraphrase: "God save strawberry jam in all its different varieties!" Yes, but maybe, just maybe autumn strawberries are the key. At least, here in Quebec.

Michelle's been on a quasi-Proustian quest for the strawberry jam of her youth for years, desperately trying to replicate the texture and flavor of a strawberry jam made by one Mrs. Wright in Guelph, ON, back when Michelle was just a wee lass. Countless experiments with summer strawberries have produced fine strawberry jam--excellent strawberry jams, even--but never one that has fully approximated those mythical strawberry jams of her past. Then Michelle started making her strawberry jam with local fraises d'automne, and the results were dramatically different--brighter, with an absolutely perfect set. And Michelle's expression changed accordingly. It, too, was brighter.

Strawberry Jam Enthusiasts, you may want to give autumn strawberries a whirl, if you haven't already. But remember to go easy on the sugar and to cook your strawberries gently. And, remember, the autumn strawberry season is just about up--they'll only last until the first frost--so you'll have to act fast!

Thoughts on strawberries and jam, fellow Enthusiasts? Do tell.

aj