Embrace the holiday spirit with this Spiced Christmas Jam, a delightful blend of tart cranberries and warm spices. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting to friends and family, this jam captures the essence of the season in every jar. With its vibrant color and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a staple in your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh cranberries: Rinsed and sorted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Optional, for added tartness
1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: Such as Sure-Jell
Directions:
Prepare the Cranberries:
Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any damaged or discolored ones.
Cook the Jam:
In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Add Spices and Pectin:
Stir in ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
Add the fruit pectin and mix well.
Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the jam reaches your desired consistency.
Check Consistency:
To test, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is ready. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
Jar the Jam:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in lemon juice, if using.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean.
Seal and Process:
Place lids on the jars and screw on the metal rings until fingertip-tight.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
Store:
Once cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed.
Store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy within a year for the best flavor.
Serving Tips:
Toast and Bagels: Spread the jam generously on toasted bread or bagels for a festive breakfast treat.
Cheese Pairings: Serve with a variety of cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar, for a delicious cheese board addition.
Dessert Topping: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes for a sweet and spiced touch.
Gifting: Package the jam in decorative jars with festive ribbons and tags to create charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
Storage Tips:
Sealed Jars: Store the jam in properly sealed, sterilized jars. Check the seals by pressing the center of each lid; it should not pop back.
Cool, Dark Place: Keep the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Shelf Life: The jam can be stored for up to one year. For the best flavor and quality, use within 6-8 months.
Refrigeration: Once opened, refrigerate the jar and use within 3-4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the jam too watery.
What can I use if I don’t have fruit pectin?
If you don’t have fruit pectin, you can try making the jam without it, but it might not set as well. Alternatively, you can use a different gelling agent, like agar-agar, or make a longer-cooking version with more sugar to help it thicken.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the jam’s consistency and shelf life. You might need to cook it a bit longer to reach the desired thickness.
How can I tell if my jam has gone bad?
Check for signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold growth, or a bulging lid. If the jam has an unusual appearance or odor, it’s best to discard it. Properly sealed and stored jam should last up to a year, but always use your senses to determine if it’s still good.
Conclusion:
This Spiced Christmas Jam is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a festive addition to your holiday spread. Make it a part of your holiday traditions and share the joy of homemade goodness with your loved ones!
📖 Recipe:
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Spiced Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4-5 half-pint jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the perfect holiday treat with our Spiced Christmas Jam. This festive jam combines tart cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating a delicious spread ideal for toast, cheese pairings, and holiday gifting. Easy to make and bursting with seasonal flavor, it’s a delightful addition to your festive celebrations.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any damaged or discolored ones.
- Cook the Jam: In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Spices and Pectin: Stir in ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Add the fruit pectin and mix well. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the jam reaches your desired consistency.
- Check Consistency: To test, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is ready. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
- Jar the Jam: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in lemon juice, if using. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean.
- Seal and Process: Place lids on the jars and screw on the metal rings until fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
- Store: Once cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy within a year for the best flavor.
Notes
Fruit Pectin: Ensures the jam sets properly. If using a different brand, follow its specific instructions for best results.
Lemon Juice: Optional but adds a pleasant tartness and helps the jam set.
Consistency Test: For best results, ensure the jam reaches the desired thickness before jarring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Preserves & Jams
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 half-pint jars
