Get into the holiday spirit with this deliciously sweet and tart Spiced Christmas Jam. Combining the seasonal flavors of cranberries, strawberries, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves, this jam brings the perfect balance of warmth and festive cheer to any breakfast table or holiday gift basket. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or incorporate it into holiday desserts, Spiced Christmas Jam is sure to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Christmas Jam
This Spiced Christmas Jam is an ideal treat for the season. With its easy-to-follow recipe, it’s perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at canning or seasoned jam makers looking to add a touch of holiday magic to their collection. The natural sweetness of strawberries and the tanginess of cranberries are beautifully complemented by the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Best of all, it makes a wonderful homemade gift, so you can share the joy of the holidays with loved ones.
Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Jam
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive jam:
- Cranberries: These add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Strawberries: These berries offer a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
- Sugar: Essential for the jam’s texture and to help the fruit preserve well.
- Liquid Fruit Pectin: Aids in setting the jam, especially since strawberries contain low natural pectin.
- Cinnamon: Brings a warm, earthy note that evokes the holiday season.
- Ginger: Adds a hint of spice that complements the cinnamon.
- Allspice: Contributes a deep, slightly sweet flavor that works perfectly in this jam.
- Cloves: A pinch of cloves adds depth and richness to the overall taste.
Alternative Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Jam
If you’re missing an ingredient or have specific dietary preferences, here are some swaps you can consider:
- Sugar: You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but make sure to adjust the pectin accordingly for proper consistency.
- Fruit pectin: If you prefer a natural alternative, try using homemade apple pectin or agar-agar for a more plant-based option.
- Spices: If you don’t have ground ginger, try fresh ginger or a gingerbread spice blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Spiced Christmas Jam
Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of Spiced Christmas Jam:
- Prepare the Berries: In a food processor, puree the cranberries and strawberries until smooth. You can use fresh or frozen fruit, just ensure the mixture is evenly blended.
- Combine Sugar and Spices: Transfer the berry mixture into a large saucepan. Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Boil the Mixture: Over medium-high heat, bring the berry and sugar mixture to a full boil. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once boiling, let it cook for one minute.
- Add Fruit Pectin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Return the mixture to a boil for one full minute while continuing to stir.
- Skim Foam: Once boiling, remove from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface using a spoon or ladle.
- Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized, hot jars, leaving ¼ inch of space at the top. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and tighten with the screw bands until just snug (do not over-tighten).
- Water Bath Canning: Place the filled jars into a canning pot with water that fully covers the jars. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Once the jars are done, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool on a clean surface for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Perfect Spiced Christmas Jam
- Check the Jam’s Set: If you’re unsure whether your jam has set properly, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through the jam—if it wrinkles, it’s ready.
- Keep the Jars Clean: Ensure the jar rims are clean before sealing to guarantee a good seal.
- Store Properly: Label and date your jars, then store them in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can last up to a year.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Spiced Christmas Jam
Spiced Christmas Jam is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to use your homemade jam:
- On Toast or Biscuits: The simplest and most comforting way to enjoy this jam is on a slice of buttered toast or freshly baked biscuits.
- In Yogurt: Stir a spoonful of jam into plain yogurt for a festive twist.
- Holiday Baked Goods: Use the jam as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or spread it between layers of a vanilla cake for a delicious jam-filled treat.
- Grilled Cheese: Try adding a spoonful of jam to a grilled cheese sandwich with brie and a sprinkle of fresh thyme—an unexpected yet delightful combination.
- Gifts: Package jars of Spiced Christmas Jam with crackers, a block of cheese, and some olives for a perfect holiday gift.
Health Benefits of Spiced Christmas Jam
Not only does this jam taste delicious, but it also offers some health benefits. Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immune health, while strawberries offer a good source of fiber and vitamin C as well. The spices—particularly cinnamon and ginger—have anti-inflammatory properties, making this jam a tasty yet wholesome treat for the season.
Conclusion
Spiced Christmas Jam is the perfect way to infuse your holiday season with warmth and festive cheer. Its combination of sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and aromatic spices creates a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and a wonderful gift idea. Whether you spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt, or use it in your holiday baking, this jam brings a comforting taste of the season to every dish. With its simple ingredients and water bath canning method, even beginners can successfully make this jam and enjoy its cozy, flavorful touch all year long.
Enjoy the process of making this festive spread, share it with loved ones, and savor the comforting flavors of the holidays. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a homemade treat like Spiced Christmas Jam!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen fruit to make Spiced Christmas Jam?
Yes, frozen fruit works perfectly for this recipe. If using frozen cranberries or strawberries, be aware that they may release more moisture during cooking. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the jam thickens properly. Frozen fruit is a great option if fresh fruit isn’t available during the off-season.
2. How long does Spiced Christmas Jam last once canned?
Properly canned Spiced Christmas Jam can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Always check the seals on your jars before storing them to ensure they are properly sealed. Once opened, the jam should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While sugar plays a key role in the jam’s texture and preservation, you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet version. However, it’s important to maintain the balance to ensure the jam sets correctly and stays safe for long-term storage. If you’re concerned about sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute, but always check the guidelines for canning with substitutes.
4. What should I do if my Spiced Christmas Jam doesn’t set?
If your jam doesn’t set after canning, it may not have been boiled long enough or enough pectin was not used. You can try reheating the jam, adding more pectin, and boiling it again for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use it as a topping or sauce, or make it into a syrup to drizzle over pancakes and waffles.
More Relevant Recipes
- Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam: This delicious jam is made with pears and sweet honey, enhanced with warm spices, offering a cozy, autumnal spread that pairs wonderfully with baked goods, much like the Spiced Christmas Jam.
- Apple Thyme Jam: A perfect fall preserve, this apple and thyme jam blends sweet apples with the savory notes of thyme, creating a comforting, aromatic spread that complements the flavors of Spiced Christmas Jam beautifully.
- Spiced Peach Jam: This peach jam is infused with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, delivering a delightful, spiced fruit jam that’s perfect for the holidays, similar to the seasonal warmth of Spiced Christmas Jam.
Spiced Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 half-pint jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spiced Christmas Jam is a delightful holiday treat made with cranberries, strawberries, and a mix of seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. It combines sweetness and tartness with aromatic warmth, making it the perfect addition to your holiday breakfast or an ideal homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries (6 cups)
- 1/2 pound fresh or frozen cranberries (2 cups)
- 2 1/2 pounds sugar (5 cups)
- 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin (170mL each)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Puree the strawberries and cranberries in a food processor until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your processor.
- Transfer the pureed fruit to a large saucepan. Add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Stir well to combine.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a full boil. Stir constantly, and once it is boiling vigorously, continue for one full minute.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Return to the heat and bring it to a full boil again. Boil for one more minute while stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat, skim off any foam, and discard it.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Place the sterilized lids on and screw on the bands until just snug.
- Process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes, ensuring the jars are fully submerged. Remove and let them cool for at least 12 hours before storing.
Notes
- If using frozen fruit, you may need to cook the jam for a bit longer to evaporate the excess moisture.
- Be sure to sterilize the jars before filling them to ensure proper sealing.
- If you notice the jam hasn’t set after canning, you can reprocess it by adding more pectin and boiling again.
- This jam makes a great gift! Package it with some crackers and cheese for a thoughtful present.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Jam, Canning, Holiday Treats
- Method: Stovetop, Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 59 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0.3mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.003g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg