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For my Christmas jam, I love using fresh strawberries and cranberries. The strawberries add sweetness, while cranberries give a nice tartness. Here’s what you need: - 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced - 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed Using fresh fruit makes a big difference. It gives the jam bright flavors and a lovely color. Frozen fruits may work, but fresh will always taste better. Sweeteners are key to achieving the right balance in your jam. In this recipe, I use both sugar and honey. The sugar helps with the jam's texture, and honey gives it a unique flavor. Here’s how much you need: - 1 cup sugar - 1/4 cup honey These sweeteners work together to create a perfect blend. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. To elevate the flavor, I add spices and citrus. The zest and juice from the orange bring brightness. Spices add warmth and depth. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 orange, zested and juiced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon allspice These ingredients make the jam festive. They fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma as it cooks. {{ingredient_image_1}} You need to start with clean jars. Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This step is key for safe canning. Place the jars on a clean towel to dry. Make sure no dirt or germs linger. In a large pot, mix the diced strawberries and fresh cranberries. Add the orange zest and juice; it gives a nice flavor. Next, stir in the sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook over medium heat and stir often. Bring it to a boil and keep stirring. This helps the fruits break down and blend well. Once the mixture boils, it’s time to add the fruit pectin. Stir it in well. Bring the mix back to a full rolling boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. To check if it’s ready, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds its shape after cooling, it’s done. If not, boil for another minute and check again. Now, ladle the hot jam into your sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top. This space helps with sealing. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth. This step removes any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they feel tight. It's time to process the jars. Place them in a boiling water bath. Let them process for about 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the jars seal properly. You want to make sure the jam stays fresh for a long time. Once done, carefully remove the jars from the water bath. Let them cool on a clean towel. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. After cooling, press down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed. Store your jam in a cool place. Enjoy it later on toast or as a gift! To get the perfect jam, start with fresh fruit. Use ripe strawberries and cranberries for the best flavor. The sugar and pectin help thicken the jam. If the jam is too runny, boil it for a minute more. Check the consistency by using a cold plate. Spoon some jam onto the plate. If it holds its shape after cooling, it’s ready! You need a few key tools for canning: - Canning jars (half-pint size) - Lids and metal bands - A large pot for boiling - A ladle for filling jars - A cold plate for testing consistency - A canning rack (optional, but helpful) Make sure your jars and lids are clean. Sterilize jars by boiling them for 10 minutes. This keeps your jam safe to eat. Sometimes, things can go wrong. If jars do not seal, check these points: - Ensure the rims are clean before sealing. - Tighten the bands fingertip-tight, not too tight. - Process jars long enough in boiling water. If your jam isn't thickening, add more pectin and boil again. Follow these tips closely, and you’ll create beautiful jars of Christmas Jam! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use the freshest strawberries and cranberries you can find. This will enhance the taste of your Christmas jam. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jam, feel free to reduce the sugar or honey. Just remember that sweetness helps with preservation. Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to add more spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist on the flavor profile of your jam. Use a Cold Plate Test: To check the jam's doneness, use a cold plate from the freezer. This method provides a quick way to see if the jam will set properly. {{image_2}} You can mix and match fruits for Christmas jam. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. These fruits add new flavors and colors. You can even use pears or apples for a sweeter taste. When using different fruits, adjust the sugar. Some fruits are sweeter than others. Always taste your mixture while cooking. This will help you find the right balance. Spices can change your jam's flavor. You can add more cinnamon for warmth. If you love nutmeg, increase its amount too. For a kick, try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves. Remember, spices can be strong. Start small and taste as you go. This lets you find the perfect mix for your taste buds. If you prefer natural sweeteners, try maple syrup or agave nectar. These options can add depth to your jam's flavor. You can also use stevia or monk fruit for lower sugar. When switching sweeteners, adjust the amount. Each sweetener has a different sweetness level. Always taste your jam as you sweeten. This way, you create a delicious treat that fits your needs. To store your Christmas jam, find a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard works well. Keep the jars upright and out of direct sunlight. This helps maintain flavor and color. Your Christmas jam can last up to one year when stored properly. After opening, use the jam within three weeks. Always check for signs of spoilage before use. If you see mold or it smells off, throw it away. You can reuse canning jars as long as they are in good shape. Check for cracks or chips. For lids, it’s best to use new ones each time. Old lids might not seal well. Clean jars with hot, soapy water and rinse well. This ensures they are safe for your next batch of jam. Yes, you can use frozen fruit for your jam. Just ensure the fruit is thawed before cooking. Frozen strawberries and cranberries work well in this recipe. They maintain their flavor and texture, which is great for making jam. However, be aware that frozen fruit may add extra liquid to your mix. If that happens, you might need to boil it longer to reach the right thickness. You can check if your jam is sealed by pressing down in the center of the lid. If it pops back, the jar did not seal. If it stays down, it is sealed. Another way to test is to listen for a popping sound as the jars cool. This means the lids are sealing correctly. Store any jars that do not seal in the fridge and use them first. Gifting homemade jam is a sweet gesture! Here are some fun ideas: - Decorative Jars: Use pretty jars and label them with festive tags. - Gift Baskets: Pair the jam with bread, cheese, or crackers for a lovely gift basket. - Personal Touch: Write a note about the jam's flavors or your favorite way to enjoy it. - Seasonal Themes: Use holiday wrapping or colors to make it extra special. These ideas make your homemade jam a thoughtful and tasty gift! Making Christmas jam is simple and fun. We covered fresh fruits like strawberries and cranberries, plus sweeteners like sugar and honey. You learned how to create the perfect consistency and solve common issues. We explored various fruit combos and spice levels for unique flavors. Lastly, we looked at storing and gifting your jam. Embrace this festive joy by creating your jam. It's a tasty treat you can share!

Festive Christmas Jam

A delightful jam made with strawberries and cranberries, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 whole orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon allspice
  • 1.75 oz fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Jars: Sterilize your canning jars and lids by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. This ensures they are clean for safe canning.
  • Cook the Fruits: In a large pot, combine diced strawberries and fresh cranberries. Add orange zest, orange juice, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  • Add Pectin: Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin. Bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil, and keep it boiling for 1-2 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • Check for Doneness: To check if the jam is ready, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds its shape after cooling for a minute, it’s done. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
  • Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue before sealing.
  • Seal and Process: Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10-15 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
  • Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Once cool, check that the lids are sealed properly by pressing down in the center; it should not pop back.

Notes

Once cooled, label the jars with festive tags and store them in a cool place. They can also be gifted or used as a delightful holiday spread.
Keyword Christmas, cranberry, holiday, jam, strawberry