Festive Homemade Christmas Jam

This Festive Christmas Jam is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy, capturing the essence of the holiday season with cranberries, strawberries, oranges, and warm spices. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with your favorite festive meals, this jam is a simple yet impressive addition to your holiday table. After numerous experiments, I’ve crafted a recipe that perfectly balances flavor and ease of preparation, surpassing even the store-bought versions.

Why This Christmas Jam Will Become Your New Favorite

• Effortless Creation: Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or a novice, this recipe is designed for success.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Fresh or frozen fruits can be used, making this jam accessible throughout the year.
• Extended Shelf Life: Properly canned, this jam can last up to a year, its flavor deepening with time.
• Heartfelt Gift: Homemade gifts carry a special touch, and this jam is sure to delight recipients.

Ingredients: The Magic Behind the Jam

The magic of this jam lies in the harmonious blend of vibrant flavors:

• Cranberries: Providing a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Strawberries: Contributing a fruity sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.
• Oranges: Both zest and juice lend a refreshing citrusy brightness.
• Warm Spices: Cloves, cinnamon, and allspice create a cozy and festive aroma.
• Sugar: Essential for sweetness and preservation.
• Pectin (Optional): Aids in achieving the perfect jam set, but can be omitted for a softer consistency.

Tips for Jam-Making Success

• Pectin Alternatives: Cranberries and orange peels naturally contain pectin. If you choose to skip the added pectin, the jam will require a longer cooking time to thicken.
• Sweetener Substitutions: Honey can be used in place of sugar for a unique flavor profile. If using honey, opt for low-sugar pectin.
• Gelling Test: To check if the jam is ready, dip a chilled spoon into it. If the jam drips off in sheets, it has reached the desired consistency.
• Consistency Adjustments:
  • Thick Jam: Add a splash of port wine or apple juice and stir.
  • Runny Jam: Re-cook with additional pectin, sugar, and lemon juice until it sets.
• Proper Storage: Ensure jars are correctly sealed and store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

Variations and Serving Suggestions: Unleash Your Creativity

• Vanilla Infusion: A dash of vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor.
• Spice Customization: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a personalized twist.
• Serving Ideas: Spread on toast, pair with cheese, or use as a glaze for meats.

Festive Homemade Christmas Jam

Recipe by admin

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: CanningCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This Christmas Jam is a festive, fruity, and spiced homemade jam that makes a perfect holiday gift or a delicious spread for toast, scones, or desserts!

Ingredients

• 12 oz 12 cranberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 1 orange, peeled and sectioned

• 2 tsp 2 orange zest

• 16 oz 16 strawberries (fresh or frozen)

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp allspice

• 4 cups 4 sugar

• 1 1 –1.75 oz powdered fruit pectin

• ½ cup water

Directions

• Sterilize the Jars: Boil the jars and lids in water for 10 minutes to sterilize them. Keep warm until ready to use.
• Prepare the Fruit: In a food processor, blend cranberries, orange, and strawberries until finely chopped. Stir in orange zest and spices.
• Cook the Jam: In a large stockpot, combine the fruit mixture, water, and pectin. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
• Add Sugar & Boil: Stir in sugar and return to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
• Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims, then seal with lids and rings.
• Process & Cool: Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool for 24 hours before storing.