Slice strawberries into a generous 1/4″ slices or half or quarter strawberries, depending on size. Place in a heavy saucepan and add sugar. Heat over medium heat until the strawberries begin to give up their juices, then stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring as necessary and cook until the sauce has thickened and strawberries are at the desired softness, about 8 to 12 minutes.

Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator.

• If the strawberries are cooked as you like, but the sauce isn’t thick enough, use a slotted spoon to remove the strawberries and simmer the sauce a bit longer.
• If desired, some of the strawberries can be mashed. Do this after they’ve started to soften.