Christmas Jam
This Christmas Jam is a festive and delicious homemade jam that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the tartness of cranberries, and a hint of orange for a perfect holiday spread. It’s a wonderful gift idea, and the vibrant red color makes it perfect for the holiday season. You can serve it on toast, scones, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Ingredients:
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12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
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1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and mashed (about 4 cups)
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1/2 cup orange juice (about 1 large orange)
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2 tsp orange zest
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1 box (1.75 oz) pectin (I recommend Sure-Jell or Ball pectin for making jam)
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1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
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1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a warm, spiced flavor)
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1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional, for added depth of flavor)
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1-2 tbsp rum or vanilla extract (optional, for a festive flavor boost)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruit:
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In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, mashed strawberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. You’ll hear the cranberries start to pop as they cook—this is a good sign!
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Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have broken down and the strawberries have softened.
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Add the Sugar and Pectin:
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After the fruit mixture has cooked down, add the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon and cloves (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
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Stir in the pectin, making sure it’s fully incorporated. Bring the mixture back to a boil, and let it boil for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want to make sure the jam reaches the correct consistency.
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Check the Jam’s Consistency:
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To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful of the jam onto a cold plate and put it in the freezer for about 1 minute. After 1 minute, run your finger through the jam—if it wrinkles and doesn’t flood back into the gap, it’s ready! If not, continue to boil for another 2-3 minutes and test again.
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Add the Flavor (Optional):
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If you’re using rum or vanilla extract, add it to the jam at this stage and stir to combine. This step gives your jam an extra depth of flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
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Jar the Jam:
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While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars (make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top). Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids on securely.
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If you’re planning to store the jam long-term (for example, as gifts), process the jars in a water bath canner for 5-10 minutes. This ensures they’re sealed properly.
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Let the Jam Cool:
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Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before storing it in the fridge. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
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Serve:
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Your Christmas Jam is ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, scones, biscuits, or pancakes. You can also serve it with cheese on a cheese board or drizzle it over cheesecake or ice cream for a sweet treat.
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Tips & Variations:
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Use Other Berries: You can replace or mix the strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries to create a different flavor profile. Cranberries are the base, but feel free to experiment!
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Sweetener Substitutes: If you want to make this jam with less sugar, try using honey or a sugar substitute like stevia, though you may need to adjust the amount of pectin depending on the sweetness level.
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Spice it Up: You can also add nutmeg or allspice for a spicier, wintery flavor.
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No Canning: If you don’t want to go through the canning process, you can simply refrigerate or freeze the jam in small containers. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 weeks and can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions:
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Gift Idea: This Christmas Jam makes a wonderful homemade gift. Package it in cute jars with festive labels or ribbons to give away to friends and family.
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Holiday Breakfast: Serve this jam at your next holiday breakfast or brunch spread with freshly baked croissants, bagels, or muffins.
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Pair with Cheese: This jam pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie, cream cheese, or goat cheese. Spread it on a cracker or toasted baguette slice for a perfect appetizer.
Enjoy your Christmas Jam! With its festive red color and combination of tangy cranberries and sweet strawberries, this jam is sure to bring joy to your holiday season. It’s also a great way to preserve the flavors of the season in a jar!
Let me know how it turns out or if you’d like to try a variation!
