Envision this: a pot bubbling away on the stove, releasing the sweet-tart aroma of cranberries mingling with sugar and a hint of vanilla.
Making cranberry jam is a breeze, offering a cozy treat that’s both simple and indulgent.
Watch as the cranberries burst and transform into a luscious, vibrant jam. Perfect for spreading on warm toast or spooning over desserts.
Let’s bring this delightful jam to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 mason jar or airtight container
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking cranberry jam, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Understanding the Recipe: Approximately 5 minutes
- This step involves reading through the entire recipe to verify you understand the process and have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- Gather and measure out all ingredients: cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Set up your equipment: medium saucepan, wooden spoon, measuring cups, measuring spoons, mason jar, or airtight container.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Minutes 1-5: Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop.
- Minutes 6-10: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Minutes 11-15: Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cooling and Resting Time: 1 hour
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly (approximately 5 minutes).
- Transfer the cranberry jam into a clean mason jar or airtight container.
- Let the jam rest and thicken at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water.
Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Pour the cranberry jam into a clean mason jar or airtight container.
Allow the jam to rest and thicken at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Serving Tips
- Toast: Spread the cranberry jam on warm toast for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Scones: Pair the jam with freshly baked scones for a classic afternoon tea experience.
- Yogurt: Add a dollop of jam to plain yogurt for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Pancakes: Use the jam as a topping for pancakes to add a burst of fruity flavor.
- Cheese Board: Serve the cranberry jam alongside a selection of cheeses for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Storage
Store cranberry jam in a sterilized, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to six months.
Freezing
To freeze cranberry jam, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Seal tightly.
Label with the date.
Store for up to 6 months.
Reheating
To reheat cranberry jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir frequently. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Add a splash of water if needed for consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry jam is a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Its tartness pairs beautifully with sweet and savory dishes alike.
Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it as a topping for scones, it adds a burst of flavor.
Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste preference, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.
Remember to sterilize your jar or container properly to prolong the shelf life of your jam.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry jam and explore its versatility in your culinary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. They’ll burst with vibrant tartness, enhancing the jam’s deep, sweet flavor. This American classic embraces the frosty berries, offering a delightful twist on a cherished tradition.
How Can I Make This Jam Spicy?
To add a spicy twist, incorporate a teaspoon of finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This infuses a delightful heat, balancing the tart cranberries with a bold, culturally vibrant kick, enhancing its complexity.
Is It Possible to Make This Jam Sugar-Free?
Yes, you can make it sugar-free by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. These options maintain the jam’s tangy essence, reflecting America’s love for tart, bold flavors without compromising on health-conscious choices.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Jam?
You can definitely add other fruits to enhance the jam’s flavor. Consider incorporating apples for natural sweetness or oranges for a citrusy twist. These additions bring cultural diversity and depth, creating a delightful, multi-layered taste experience.
How Long Does Homemade Cranberry Jam Last?
Your homemade cranberry jam, a tangy blend of American tradition, lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Its vibrant, fruity essence complements desserts and breakfasts alike. Make certain it’s in a sterilized container to savor its flavor longer.
Cranberry Jam
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 mason jar or airtight container
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water.
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Pour the cranberry jam into a clean mason jar or airtight container.
- Allow the jam to rest and thicken at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
