Heart-shaped Strawberry Pancakes

Ingredients[]

Large container of fresh strawberries, washed
Raspberries and blueberries, washed
1¼ cups strawberry preserves
¼ cup apple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice pancake mix (all ingredients listed on the box of pancake mix)
Large heart-shaped cookie cutter

First prepare the strawberry sauce. Cut 1½ cups of sliced fresh strawberries. Set aside. Stir together the strawberry preserves and the apple and lemon juices in a saucepan on low heat. When it gently bubbles, add the sliced strawberries. Cook for one minute. Puree the sauce in a blender until it's smooth. Cover and set aside. Serves four.
To prepare the pancakes, follow the directions on the box of pancake mix. Press the cookie cutter into each finished pancake.
If necessary, reheat the strawberry sauce. Dress up the plate with heart-shaped strawberry slices, raspberries, and blueberries.