What’s the best way to store Merry Christmas Jam?

Once sealed and processed in a water bath, jars of Merry Christmas Jam can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. After opening, refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks. For extended storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.

Can I make Merry Christmas Jam without using pectin?

Yes, but the texture may vary. You can make a pectin-free version by cooking the fruit mixture longer to reduce and naturally thicken the jam. However, using pectin ensures a more consistent set and shorter cooking time, especially with fruits like strawberries and cranberries that are lower in natural pectin.

Is this jam suitable for canning and gifting?

Absolutely! Merry Christmas Jam is perfect for canning using the water bath method, making it shelf-stable and ideal for holiday gifting. Its vibrant red hue and festive aroma make it a thoughtful and impressive homemade present when packaged in decorative jars with ribbon or labels.

Merry Christmas Jam – Best Holiday Recipe for Gifting

Name: Merry Christmas Jam
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490714H3M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped; 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen; 4 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp grated orange zest; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin

Description

This Merry Christmas Jam is a festive, flavorful preserve made with strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday gifting or spreading on toast, it’s an easy and delicious way to capture the taste of the season in a jar.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin

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Instructions

In a large pot, combine chopped strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the mixture softens.
Stir in fruit pectin and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add sugar while stirring, then add orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Return to a rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat. Skim off any foam.
Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and screw on rings until fingertip-tight.
Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Check seals after 24 hours.

Notes

Use ripe, firm strawberries for best results.
Skim foam for a clearer finish.
Jam will keep unopened for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Jam & Preserves
Method: Boiling / Canning
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 45
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg