Christmas jam is a delightful blend of seasonal fruits and spices, perfect for the holidays. It combines the sweet, tangy flavors of strawberries and cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating a festive spread that’s great on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats.
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade Christmas jam:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 pouch (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruits: In a large pot, combine the strawberries and cranberries. Add the orange zest and juice, lemon juice, and a little water (about ¼ cup). Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the fruits break down and soften. This will take about 10–15 minutes.
- Blend: Once the fruit is softened, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to lightly break them down, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add sugar and spices: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Pectin time: Stir in the powdered pectin and return the mixture to a full boil for 1–2 minutes, making sure the jam thickens. Skim off any foam that forms on top.
- Test for readiness: To test if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it forms a gel-like consistency and wrinkles slightly when pushed, it’s ready.
- Jar it up: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes if you want to preserve them.
Let the jars cool completely before storing. Once sealed, your Christmas jam will last for several months in a cool, dark place.
This jam makes a fantastic gift too, with a cozy flavor that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas!
