Christmas Jam
Christmas Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin
Instructions:
- Prepare the Berries:
- In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the strawberries break down.
- Mash the Fruit:
- Use a potato masher or fork to mash the fruit to your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture using an immersion blender.
- Add the Sugar and Spices:
- Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Return the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes, making sure it’s bubbling vigorously.
- Add the Pectin:
- Stir in the liquid pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Can the Jam:
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids and rings.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon):
- Calories: ~45 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Sugars: ~11g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: ~0.3g
This festive Christmas Jam combines the sweet and tart flavors of strawberries and cranberries with a hint of spice, making it the perfect spread for toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. It also makes a wonderful homemade holiday gift!
