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Christmas Jam

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Elina
  • 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