Imagine the sweet-tart aroma of cranberries melding with the bright citrusy scent of orange filling your kitchen.
Cranberry Orange Jam isn’t only easy to make but also provides a comforting, homemade touch to your meal.
As the cranberries burst and mix with zesty orange juice, a delightful transformation takes place, creating a luscious, vibrant jam.
Ready to try this delectable treat? Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Citrus zester
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 4 8-ounce canning jars with lids
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cranberry Orange Jam, follow this timeline:
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Minute 0-2: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
- Minute 2-5: Rinse the cranberries and drain them well.
- Minute 5-10: Measure out the sugar, orange juice, and prepare the orange zest.
- Minute 10-15: Set up the cooking area, making sure all equipment is within reach.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- Minute 15-20: Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in the saucepan.
- Minute 20-25: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Minute 25-40: Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 20-25 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Minute 40-41: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Resting and Finishing (1 hour)
- Minute 41-46: Allow the jam to cool for 5 minutes and ladle it into sterilized jars.
- Minute 46-47: Seal the jars.
- Minute 47-107: Let the jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the jam for at least 1 hour before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Rinse the cranberries and drain them well.
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the jam cool for 5 minutes before ladling it into sterilized jars.
Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
Store the jam in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Tips
- Spread on Toast: Enjoy a sweet and tangy morning treat by spreading the jam over your favorite toast or bagel.
- Pair with Cheese: Serve alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast of flavors, perfect for entertaining guests.
- Top Desserts: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake to add a burst of fruity flavor.
- Mix into Yogurt: Stir into plain or flavored yogurt for a rejuvenating and fruity twist to your breakfast or snack.
- Glaze for Meats: Use as a glaze for roasted meats like turkey or chicken to enhance their flavor with a sweet and tart finish.
Storage
Store Cranberry Orange Jam in sterilized jars.
Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
For extended storage, consider freezing or processing jars for long-term preservation.
Freezing
To freeze Cranberry Orange Jam, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Leave some space for expansion.
Label and date the containers before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat Cranberry Orange Jam gently on low heat in a saucepan.
Stir occasionally to maintain its texture and prevent burning.
Avoid microwaving as it may unevenly heat and alter consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Jam is a delightful condiment that combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of oranges.
It’s a versatile addition to your pantry, perfect for spreading on toast, complementing cheese platters, or adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
This easy-to-make jam not only enhances your meals but also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
You can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. They burst and thicken beautifully while simmering, enhancing the jam’s tangy aroma. Just add them directly to the saucepan, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the citrusy orange notes.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
You can swap orange juice with a mix of lemon juice and water for a tangy twist. The citrus aroma and slight acidity will complement the cranberries, creating a zesty harmony that tantalizes your taste buds.
Is It Possible to Make This Jam Sugar-Free?
Yes, you can make it sugar-free! Replace sugar with a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You’ll still experience the tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors, creating a luscious jam with vibrant aromas and a satisfying texture.
How Long Will the Jam Last in the Fridge?
You’ll find the jam retains its vibrant flavor and consistency for about two weeks in the fridge. Confirm each jar is sealed tightly, capturing the delicate citrus aroma and tangy cranberry essence, enhancing the tasting experience.
Can I Add Spices for a Different Flavor Profile?
You can elevate the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or cloves. Their warm, aromatic notes will infuse the jam, creating a rich, inviting scent and taste that tantalizes your palate. Experiment with quantities for balance.
Cranberry Orange Jam
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 citrus zester
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 4 8-ounce canning jars with lids
Ingredients
- 12 ounce fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and drain them well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the jam cool for 5 minutes before ladling it into sterilized jars.
- Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
