Christmas Jam Recipe
This Christmas Jam recipe is a delightful blend of cranberries, strawberries, and orange, infused with warm holiday spices. It's perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or gifting to loved ones. Homemade and heartwarming, this jam captures the essence of the holiday season in every jar.
Equipment
- Large cooking pot
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter and funnel
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups diced strawberries fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1 large orange for zest and juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
Prepare the Jars:
- Sterilize the canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash the cranberries and strawberries. Chop the strawberries into small pieces.
- Zest the orange and then juice it.
Cook the Jam:
- In a large pot, combine the cranberries, strawberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Add water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the fruits have softened, add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
- Stir the mixture well and increase the heat to bring it to a rolling boil. Keep stirring to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Boil for about 10-15 minutes or until the jam reaches the gel point. You can test this by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it's ready.
Canning the Jam:
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, place the lids on, and screw the bands on until fingertip tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them.
- Remove the jars using a jar lifter and let them cool on a towel for 24 hours. Check the seals before storing.
Storage:
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. They will keep for up to 1-2 years. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.
Notes
- If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are completely thawed.
- The jam's setting point can vary; use the chilled plate test for accuracy.
- Adjust sugar according to the tartness of the fruits.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.
- For a less sugary version, consider using a sugar substitute and low-sugar pectin.