Simple Strawberry Jam and Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Since May is National Strawberry Month I just had to share a strawberry recipe or two.

Both are super easy to make.  This would make a perfect breakfast for a certain man in your life.  Yep, that day is right around the corner.  Or it would be a great brunch idea with friends...for a ladies brunch cut in half.  These are super filling!  And I am pretty certain your children would love it too! 

Warm sweetened cream cheese and strawberry jam oozing out the sides of these toasted waffle make me drool.  Sprinkle with powered sugar and cinnamon oh my!!!!

First lets get started on the simple jam.  This is perfect when you don't know the whole canning process (that's me!) or just don't have the time. 


Simple Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:
2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup of sugar* (see note below)
1/4 cup of water
1 tsp fresh lemon zest

Directions:
Wash, hull, and slice your strawberries.  Put them into a saucepan with the water, lemon zest, and sugar.  *Note* add sugar a little at a time and taste as you go.  You may like your jam a little less sweet.  Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until jam thickens and reduces.  You can add cornstarch to make it thicker if you like.  Mash with a potato masher while cooking to break up big chunks.

**Don't forget: his jam has no pectin in it, so it needs to be refrigerated and used within a couple of weeks.** 

Not a problem!  You can quickly use the jam by making this delicious breakfast grilled cheese.  Are you ready?

Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

⅓	cup whipped cream cheese
2	tablespoons powered sugar, plus more for topping
4	frozen waffles (untoasted....you could use fresh if you so desire)
1 to 2	tablespoons jam (any flavor)
1	tablespoon butter, plus more if needed
	ground cinnamon for topping

Directions:
Mix the cream cheese and powered sugar in a medium bowl. Spread 2 waffles with the jam, then top with the cream cheese mixture; cover with the remaining 2 waffles.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sandwiches and cook until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes per side, adding more butter to the pan if needed. (Adjust the heat if the waffles are browning too quickly.)
Let the sandwiches rest 1 minute before serving. Sprinkle with powered sugar and cinnamon.

Serve with bacon, fruit and OJ.  Maybe serve this to Dad on a silver platter in bed on Father's Day.  He'll be shocked and give you lots of hugs and kisses!  Enjoy breakfast! 

Happy Wednesday.