The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and delicious food—and nothing captures this spirit quite like homemade Christmas Jam. This festive blend of tangy cranberries, zesty oranges, and sweet strawberries offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a versatile treat to spread on toast, serve with cheese, or package as a thoughtful gift. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about crafting the perfect Christmas Jam, including step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and nutritional insights.
Why Make Homemade Christmas Jam?
Christmas Jam isn’t just a holiday staple—it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Unlike store-bought jams, this homemade version offers the freshest ingredients without preservatives, letting you control the sweetness and spice. Plus, it makes a heartfelt homemade gift for friends and family. Who wouldn’t appreciate a jar filled with festive flavors?
What Makes Christmas Jam Special?
This jam combines seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and strawberries, with hints of cinnamon and cloves. The result is a sweet yet slightly tangy spread with subtle holiday spices, making it perfect for both savory and sweet pairings.
Uses for Christmas Jam:
- Spread on toast, muffins, or scones for a holiday breakfast
- Serve with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese on a charcuterie board
- Drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or waffles
- Use as a glaze for roasted meats
- Gift it in decorative jars during the holiday season
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s look at the ingredients that make this jam so flavorful:
- 3 cups fresh cranberries – Provide tartness and color
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped – Adds citrusy brightness
- 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen) – Sweetens the jam
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Introduces warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – Brings depth and festive aroma
- 5 cups granulated sugar – Balances the tartness
- 1 (3 oz) packet liquid pectin – Helps the jam set
- 1/2 cup water – Aids in cooking the fruits evenly
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Christmas Jam
1. Preparing the Fruits
Start by placing the cranberries, chopped orange, and strawberries in a large pot. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and cloves for a touch of holiday spice. Add water, stir everything together, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
2. Cooking the Fruit Mixture
Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes. As the cranberries pop and the strawberries soften, you’ll notice the fragrance of spices filling the kitchen. Stir occasionally to ensure all the fruits break down evenly. This step helps the flavors meld together, creating the perfect texture.
3. Adding Sugar and Pectin
Once the fruit has softened, add the sugar gradually, stirring until it dissolves completely. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. Now, it’s time to stir in the liquid pectin. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes to ensure the jam sets correctly.
4. Testing the Consistency
To check if your jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate. If it gels and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, return the pot to the heat and cook for an additional minute or two. This quick test ensures your jam isn’t too runny.
5. Jarring the Jam
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean to prevent any residue from interfering with the seal. Secure the lids tightly and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
6. Cooling and Storing the Jars
Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature. As they cool, listen for the satisfying “pop” sound, indicating the jars have sealed correctly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Refrigerate any jars that didn’t seal properly and use them within a few weeks.
Tips for the Best Christmas Jam
- Frozen or Fresh? – Both fresh and frozen strawberries and cranberries work great. Use what you have on hand.
- Add a Twist: For a unique flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar to 4 cups. Just remember, sugar helps with the preservation.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir frequently while cooking to avoid the fruit mixture sticking to the pot.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Christmas Jam isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Thanks to the cranberries and oranges, you’ll enjoy a dose of antioxidants and vitamin C, essential for immune health. Below is the nutritional breakdown per tablespoon of this festive spread.
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin C: 10% of daily value
- Calcium: 1% of daily value
- Iron: 0% of daily value
FAQs
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Simply thaw them slightly and rinse off any ice crystals before cooking.
When properly sealed, Christmas Jam can be stored for up to 12 months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within 3-4 weeks.
Yes, but keep in mind that sugar plays a role in preserving the jam. Reducing it may affect both the flavor and shelf life.
If the jam doesn’t set, you can reheat it and add a little more liquid pectin. Boil it for another 1-2 minutes and check the consistency again.
Sterilizing the jars is highly recommended to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of your jam.
Conclusion
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Christmas Jam! This delightful spread is the ultimate holiday treat, whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, adding it to a charcuterie board, or gifting it to loved ones. With its bright flavors, festive spices, and beautiful presentation, it’s bound to become a holiday tradition in your home.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and create a batch of this festive jam that everyone will love!
More Relevant Recipes
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Christmas Jam: A Festive Spread to Sweeten the Holidays
Christmas Jam is a festive spread made with tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and zesty oranges, spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Perfect as a holiday breakfast treat, a glaze for meats, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this jam captures the essence of the season.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–7 jars (8 oz each) 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups strawberries (frozen or fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (3 oz) packet liquid pectin
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large pot, combine cranberries, orange, strawberries, cinnamon, and cloves. Add water and stir frequently to prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Fruit: Allow the fruit to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the cranberries pop and the strawberries soften, releasing their vibrant flavors. This step ensures the fruit blend is smooth and thick.
- Add Sugar and Pectin: Gradually stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. Once bubbling vigorously, pour in the liquid pectin and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.
- Check Consistency: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Test the jam’s consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate. If it sets nicely, you’re good to go. If not, cook for an additional minute and recheck.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean before sealing with sterilized lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
- Cool and Store: After the water bath, remove the jars and let them cool at room temperature. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen ones will do in a pinch.
- Adjust the sweetness by using 4 cups of sugar instead of 5 if you prefer less sweetness.
- If the jam becomes too thick while cooking, add a little more water to achieve your desired texture.
- Make sure your jars are properly sterilized to avoid contamination.
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for an extra holiday touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Spread
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Festive cranberry jam, Holiday homemade gift ideas, Strawberry orange jam recipe