Christmas Jam Recipe
Christmas Jam is more than just a blend of fruits; it’s a heartwarming experience that encapsulates the essence of the holiday season in a jar. The rich, tart cranberries combine with the sweetness of strawberries and the zest of oranges, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. This recipe captures the warmth of homemade preserves, making it an excellent gift for loved ones or a delightful treat to enjoy during festive gatherings. When you follow this step-by-step recipe, you’ll not only fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of bursting fruits but also create memories that will last long after the last spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Jam is superb for numerous reasons. First, it requires minimal ingredients, with the primary focus on the delightful fruits that embody the season. The blend of cranberries and strawberries makes it a family-friendly choice, appealing to both adults and children alike. Plus, the recipe isn’t just quick; it also allows for a touch of traditional crafting, ideal for those who enjoy cooking in batches. Making this jam is a beautiful way to involve the whole family in the kitchen, creating a fun experience filled with laughter and love.
Ingredients for Christmas Jam
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups): These tart gems impart a festive zing.
- 24 oz strawberries, hulled and chopped (about 4 cups): Sweet, juicy strawberries bring lusciousness.
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about 1/2 cup juice): The fragrant zest adds brightness and depth.
- 1/2 cup water: A simple ingredient that helps to create the right consistency.
- 4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture, balancing the tartness of cranberries.
- 1 (1.75 oz) packet powdered fruit pectin: This helps in setting your jam beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and holiday spice.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: A pinch of clove brings in festive flavors.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Nutmeg melds perfectly with the other spices.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional): A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all flavors beautifully.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparation: If you’re canning the jam, it’s essential to sterilize six half-pint jars and keep them warm. Prepare your boiling water-bath canner by filling it with water and bringing it to temperature.
Fruit Mixture: In a large heavy pot, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped strawberries, orange zest and juice, along with the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the cranberries pop and the fruit softens, releasing their natural juices. For a rustic texture, you can mash the mixture using a potato masher.
Add Pectin: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered pectin with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Gradually sprinkle this combination into the pot while stirring continuously to ensure everything is blended well.
Boil the Mix: Increase the heat and bring the fruit mixture to a full, rolling boil. Add the remaining sugar along with the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and fine sea salt. It’s crucial to return to a full rolling boil and boil hard for one full minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Finishing Touches: Once you’ve boiled it, remove the pot from heat. If any foam forms on the surface, be sure to skim it off gently. Stir in the vanilla extract if you choose to use it for a hint of sweetness.
Jarring the Jam: For refrigerator jam, ladle the hot jam into clean jars, allowing them to cool to room temperature before putting them in the fridge. For those who want to can it, ladle the mixture into hot sterilized jars, wipe the rims clean, apply lids and bands fingertip-tight, and process it in your boiling water-bath canner for 10 minutes. Check the seals afterward and store any sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips & Tricks
To make your Christmas Jam even more unique, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh ginger for a spicy kick or using flavored sugars that can enhance the overall taste. If you’re looking for a more intense fruit flavor, incorporating other berries like blueberries or raspberries can also provide a delightful twist! Ensure that when you store your jam, you label jars with the date prepared, so you can enjoy your delicious creation throughout the year.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Christmas Jam makes for an exquisite spread on toasted bagels or artisanal bread, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Pair it with a soft cheese like Brie or goat cheese, allowing the sweet jam to complement the creamy texture beautifully. Additionally, it can be a stunning ingredient in desserts, such as cake fillings or drizzled over warm pancakes or waffles. Don’t forget about adding it to a charcuterie board for an impressive holiday presentation!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Christmas Jam packs a delightful combination of flavors. While it may be slightly indulgent with high sugar content (approximately 50 calories per tablespoon), it can certainly be enjoyed in moderation. The fruit components provide natural vitamins, and with cranberries high in antioxidants, this jam has some nutritional benefits as well!
Storing Tips & Variations for Christmas Jam
If stored properly in sealed jars, this Christmas Jam can be enjoyed for up to a year. For freezing, simply pour the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. To save calories, consider reducing the sugar slightly, although this may impact the jam’s texture and sweetness. Explore variations by using seasonal fruits or spices based on your taste preferences; the sky’s the limit in creating your signature jam!
Conclusion for Christmas Jam
There’s nothing quite like the joy of crafting your own Christmas Jam. With its vibrant colors and delicious blend of flavors, it’s a festive treat that embodies the spirit of the season. So collect your ingredients, summon your family to join in the fun, and create something magical that will surely become a cherished tradition!
FAQs
1. How long does this jam last?
When sealed and stored properly, Christmas Jam can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the fridge for about three weeks.
2. Can I use frozen fruits instead?
Yes! You can use frozen cranberries or strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before using.
3. Is it necessary to can the jam?
No, canning isn’t required. If you prefer, you can simply refrigerate the jam and enjoy it as refrigerator jam.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to your liking, but be mindful that this may affect the setting of the jam.
5. What should I do if my jam doesn’t set?
If your jam is too runny, you can reheat it, add more pectin, and boil it again for a few minutes to help it set better.
Christmas Jam
A heartwarming blend of cranberries and strawberries with a touch of orange zest, perfect for holiday gifting and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 24 oz strawberries, hulled and chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about 1/2 cup juice)
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (1.75 oz) packet powdered fruit pectin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Sterilize six half-pint jars and keep them warm. Prepare your boiling water-bath canner.
- In a large heavy pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until cranberries pop.
- Whisk powdered pectin with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl and add to the pot while stirring.
- Increase heat to a rolling boil and add the remaining sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt, boiling hard for one minute.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Stir in vanilla extract if desired.
- Ladle hot jam into prepared jars, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate or process in a boiling water-bath canner for 10 minutes.
Notes
Consider adding fresh ginger or using flavored sugars for a unique twist. Store in sealed jars for up to a year.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
