Strawberry Preserves

Makes four ½-pint jars
2 qt. Tart strawberries
4 ½ cups sugar

Wash berries and remove stems and leaves.  Arrange alternate layers of whole berries and sugar in a large bowl, and let stand in refrigerator or other cool place for 8 to 10 hours to bring out juice.  When juice has accumulated, place fruit-sugar mixture in heavy kettle over medium-high heat.  Bring quickly to a boil, stirring gently so as not to break berries.  Boil mixture rapidly; stir frequently to prevent scorching until temperature reaches 8 degrees F  to 10 degrees F above the boiling point of water.  Remove fruit mixture immediately from heat, skim, and pour into hot, sterile canning jars. Store in refrigerator for up to three weeks.