Posted by This Festive Christmas Jam is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, combining cranberries, strawberries, oranges, and warm holiday spices. It’s the ultimate spread for the holiday season, ideal for gifting or enjoying with your favorite meals.
After experimenting with different combinations, I’ve perfected a simple, flavorful recipe that captures the magic of the holidays. This easy-to-make jam is even better than the one I initially bought.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam
- Simple to Make: Whether you’re a jam-making pro or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen fruits, making it accessible year-round.
- Long Shelf Life: When canned properly, it stays fresh for up to a year, improving in flavor over time.
- Thoughtful Gift: Homemade gifts add a personal touch, and this jam is bound to impress.
Ingredients for Christmas Magic
The beauty of this jam lies in its vibrant flavors:
- Cranberries: Bring a tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Strawberries: Add a fruity sweetness and lovely color.
- Oranges: Zest and juice bring a citrusy brightness.
- Warm Spices: Cloves, cinnamon, and allspice create a cozy holiday feel.
- Sugar: Essential for sweetness and preservation.
- Pectin: Helps the jam set perfectly, but can be skipped if you prefer a softer consistency.
Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Jam
- Pectin Alternatives: Cranberries and orange peels are naturally high in pectin. If you omit the packaged pectin, the jam will need more time to thicken.
- Sweetener Substitutions: Replace sugar with honey for a different flavor profile. Use low-sugar pectin if opting for honey.
- Gelling Test: Dip a cool spoon into the jam. If it drips off in sheets, it’s ready.
- Fixing Consistency:
- For overly thick jam, add a little port wine or apple juice and stir.
- For runny jam, re-cook with extra pectin, sugar, and lemon juice until it sets.
- Proper Storage: Ensure jars are sealed correctly; store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Vanilla: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Swap Spices: Customize with nutmeg or cardamom.
- Serve With: Spread it on toast, pair with cheese, or use it as a glaze for meats.
How To Make
What You’ll Need:
- Jars, lids, and rings
- Water-bath canner or large pot
- Blender or food processor
- Stockpot
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1 orange (peeled and sectioned)
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 16 oz fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed if frozen)
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp allspice
- 4 cups cane sugar
- 1–1.75 oz powdered fruit pectin
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare Jars: Wash jars, lids, and rings. Place jars in a water-bath canner filled with water. Boil to sterilize while you make the jam. Boil lids in a small saucepan of water. Rings don’t need sterilization.
- Chop Fruits: Blend cranberries and orange sections until coarsely chopped. Add strawberries, orange zest, and spices. Blend until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Cook the Jam: Combine fruit mixture and water in a stockpot. Stir in pectin and butter to reduce foaming. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add Sugar: Stir in sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Skim Foam: Remove from heat and skim off foam with a metal spoon.
- Fill Jars: Ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims, center lids, and tighten rings finger-tight.
- Process Jars: Place jars in the canner, ensuring they’re covered with 2 inches of water. Boil for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, let jars sit for 5 minutes, then remove to a towel-lined counter.
- Cool and Store: Leave jars undisturbed for 24 hours. Check seals before storing. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.
Pro Tip: Make this jam in October for December gifting—it only gets better with time!
Simple Christmas Jam Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and sectioned
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 16 oz strawberries
- ¼ tsp each of ground cloves, cinnamon, and allspice
- 4 cups sugar
- 1–1.75 oz powdered fruit pectin
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Sterilize jars in boiling water.
- Blend cranberries, orange, and strawberries until finely chopped. Add orange zest and spices.
- Combine fruit, water, and pectin in a stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add sugar and boil for 1 minute. Skim foam.
- Fill jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Seal with lids and rings.
- Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool for 24 hours before storing.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 37
- Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
