Strawberry Topping

4 cups chopped strawberries (about 1½ pints)
⅔ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp cornstarch

Put chopped strawberries and sugar into a saucepan. Add ⅔ cup water to cover, stir to blend. Heat mixture over medium high heat until it boils. Stir, then reduce heat to medium.

Mix cornstarch with 4 tbsp water until a thick liquid forms.

Pour the liquid into the pan, stirring continuously, and continue to stir until well blended. Cook the strawberry mixture over medium for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Serve over cake, cheesecake, ice cream, sundaes or waffles.