Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- In the saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the strawberries have softened and released their juices (about 10-12 minutes).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the saucepan and stir constantly.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly (about 1-2 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return to pan to heat through if necessary.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.