Picture a kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and berries simmering gently on the stove.
There’s something magical about transforming simple frozen fruits into a festive Christmas Jam that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.
This delightful condiment is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a blend of cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cozy spices.
As the jam thickens and flavors meld, it becomes a holiday favorite.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 citrus zester
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 6 glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 large orange zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Christmas Jam, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read the recipe thoroughly to understand the steps and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Thawing Frozen Berries (10 minutes)
- Begin by making sure all frozen berries are completely thawed. This can be done while reading and preparing other steps.
- Prep Work (20 minutes)
- Use the citrus zester to zest the large orange.
- Juice the orange.
- Measure out all ingredients including sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and fruit pectin.
- Cooking (1 hour)
- Combine cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries in a large pot.
- Add orange zest, juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Gradually add sugar, stirring continuously until dissolved.
- Add fruit pectin and stir well.
- Bring mixture back to a full boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, skim off any foam, and ladle hot jam into sterilized jars.
- Sealing and Cooling (15 minutes)
- Wipe jar rims and seal with lids.
- Arrange jars to cool at room temperature.
- Resting Time (12 hours)
- Allow jars to rest overnight to set properly before storing.
This timeline guarantees that you have accounted for all necessary steps, including reading and preparation, to efficiently manage your Christmas Jam cooking process.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Combine cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries in a large pot.
Add orange zest and juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the pot.
Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Gradually add sugar, stirring continuously until dissolved.
Add fruit pectin to the mixture, and stir well.
Bring the mixture back to a full boil and cook for 1 minute.
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Wipe jar rims and seal with lids.
Allow jars to cool at room temperature overnight before storing.
Serving Tips
- Toast or English Muffins: Spread the Christmas Jam on your favorite breakfast breads for a festive and flavorful start to your day.
- Cheese Platter: Pair the jam with a selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer the jam with granola and yogurt for a delicious and colorful parfait.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles to add a holiday twist to your brunch.
- Glazed Ham: Use the jam as a glaze for ham to enhance its flavor with a fruity and spiced touch.
Storage
To store Christmas Jam, make certain jars are sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dark place.
Refrigerate after opening.
Properly sealed, it can last up to a year.
Freezing
To freeze Christmas Jam, make certain jars are fully sealed, cooled, and labeled.
Store upright in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Reheating
Christmas Jam doesn’t require reheating for serving.
However, if desired, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short intervals to maintain its texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Jam is a delightful and festive condiment that adds a touch of holiday spirit to any meal.
It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of warm spices that evoke the essence of the season.
The combination of cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries creates a beautiful deep red hue, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
This jam pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
Spread it on toast or biscuits for a festive breakfast, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Remember to allow the jars to cool at room temperature overnight.
This resting period is essential for ensuring that the jam sets properly and maintains its freshness.
Incorporating Christmas Jam into your holiday traditions is sure to bring joy and warmth to your celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Berries Instead of Frozen Ones for the Jam?
You can absolutely use fresh berries. They’ll bring vibrant flavors and a delightful aroma. Just make certain they’re ripe and clean. Fresh berries may cook faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time accordingly.
How Long Does the Christmas Jam Last Once Opened?
Once opened, your jam dazzles for about 3 weeks when refrigerated. Its sweet, tart symphony of flavors remains vibrant. Make certain you tightly seal the jar after each use to maintain its delightful taste and texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Jam Without Using Fruit Pectin?
You can definitely make jam without fruit pectin by letting the natural pectin in the berries shine. Cook the fruit longer until it thickens, savoring the bubbling aroma and vibrant colors, creating a luscious, homemade texture.
Can I Substitute the Sugar With a Low-Calorie Sweetener?
You can substitute sugar with a low-calorie sweetener, but expect a difference in texture and taste. The jam might not set as firmly, and its sweetness could lack depth. Adjust sweetener to suit your palate.
How Can I Ensure My Jars Are Properly Sterilized?
To sterilize jars, immerse them in boiling water for 10 minutes, ensuring they’re completely submerged. The shimmering heat will kill bacteria and prepare them to cradle your vibrant, aromatic creation, preserving freshness and flavor perfectly.
Christmas Jam
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 citrus zester
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 6 Glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 large orange zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package fruit pectin 1.75 oz
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries in a large pot.
- Add orange zest and juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the pot.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Gradually add sugar, stirring continuously until dissolved.
- Add fruit pectin to the mixture, and stir well.
- Bring the mixture back to a full boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe jar rims and seal with lids.
- Allow jars to cool at room temperature overnight before storing.
Notes
