Step 1: Wash the strawberries thoroughly, remove the green stems (hulls), and slice the berries into halves or quarters depending on their size.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Step 3: Stir the mixture frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid begins to simmer.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the liquid has turned a deep red.
Step 5: If you want a smooth syrup, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing lightly on the berries to extract the juice without forcing the pulp through.
Step 6: If desired, return the strained liquid to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the strawberry syrup recipe to your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Stir in the vanilla extract if using, then let the syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar for storage.