Description of this recipe: This Christmas Jam is a symphony of festive flavors, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves. This homemade jam is incredibly easy to make and perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Christmas Jam for its simplicity and enchanting taste. It’s a delightful way to capture the essence of the holiday season in a jar. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with festive cheer, and the taste is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it irresistible on toast, scones, or as a glaze for meats. It’s also a thoughtful homemade gift that your friends and family will cherish. The ease of using a slow cooker makes it nearly effortless, and the vibrant color adds a touch of holiday magic to any table. It’s a versatile condiment that elevates both sweet and savory dishes, promising a burst of holiday flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries
- 2 cups frozen sliced strawberries (unsweetened)
- 1 (1.75 oz.) package powdered fruit pectin
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Fruit: Place the cranberries and frozen strawberries into a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Ensure the slow cooker is clean and dry to prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping into your jam. The frozen strawberries will help to create a natural pectin boost, enhancing the jam’s setting ability.
Step 2: Cook Berries: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, or until the cranberries pop and the mixture is fragrant. Keep an eye on the mixture during this stage. The popping of the cranberries is a sign that they are releasing their juices, which is essential for the jam-making process. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the fruit is breaking down beautifully.
Step 3: Mash Fruit: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the fruit to your desired texture. If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to create a uniform consistency. For a more rustic jam, a potato masher will leave chunks of fruit intact, providing a delightful texture. Be careful when using an immersion blender to avoid splattering.
Step 4: Add Sweeteners & Spices: Stir in the fruit pectin, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. The fruit pectin is crucial for thickening the jam, while the sugar adds sweetness and helps to preserve the jam. The cinnamon and cloves infuse the jam with warm, festive spices that are characteristic of the holiday season. Ensure the spices are fresh for the best flavor.
Step 5: Cook Again: Continue cooking uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your liking. Cooking the jam uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. To test for thickness, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate; if it sets quickly and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool & Store: Spoon the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Let the jars cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Sterilizing the jars is essential for ensuring the jam remains safe to eat and extends its shelf life. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Properly sealed jars can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for several months.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: This Christmas Jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast, bagels, or scones for a festive breakfast. Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Serve it with a cheese platter for a delightful appetizer. It also makes a wonderful glaze for roasted meats, such as ham or chicken. Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of holiday flavor. Drizzle it over ice cream or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies. The possibilities are endless!
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality cranberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a tarter jam, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- For a spicier jam, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger.
- Make sure to sterilize your jars properly to ensure the jam stays fresh longer.
- If you don’t have fruit pectin, you can use a bit of cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent, but the texture might be slightly different.
- To prevent sticking, stir the jam frequently during the final cooking stage.
- If you are giving the jam as a gift, decorate the jars with festive ribbons and labels for a personal touch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate) Calories: Approximately 60 calories per tablespoon Protein: Less than 1 gram Sodium: Less than 5 milligrams
Conclusion: This Irresistible Homemade Christmas Jam is a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. It’s simple to make, bursting with festive flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it as a glaze, or giving it as a gift, this jam is sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes it. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and warm spices creates a truly unforgettable flavor that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create a batch of Christmas Jam that will become a cherished family favorite. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and relish the delicious results. Happy jam-making!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones?
A: While frozen strawberries are recommended for their pectin content, you can use fresh strawberries if you prefer. However, you may need to add a bit more fruit pectin to ensure the jam sets properly. Use the same quantity of fresh strawberries (2 cups sliced) and consider adding an extra teaspoon of fruit pectin along with the other ingredients. Keep a close eye on the consistency as it cooks, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: How do I know if my jam has thickened enough?
A: The best way to test for thickness is to use the chilled plate method. Place a small spoonful of the hot jam on a chilled plate and let it sit for about 30 seconds. If it sets quickly and doesn’t run, it’s ready. If it’s still too runny, continue cooking the jam for a few more minutes and test again. Keep in mind that the jam will thicken further as it cools.
Q3: Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. However, keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also acts as a preservative. Reducing the sugar significantly may affect the jam’s shelf life and consistency. If you choose to use less sugar, consider adding a no-sugar sweetener or honey. Taste the jam as it cooks and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Q4: How long does this jam last?
A: Properly sealed jars of this Christmas Jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once opened, the jam should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 weeks. Be sure to use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
Q5: Can I add alcohol to this jam?
A: Adding a splash of alcohol can enhance the flavor of the jam and add a unique twist. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of rum, brandy, or Grand Marnier after the jam has finished cooking. Stir it in gently and let it cool before storing. Keep in mind that adding alcohol may slightly reduce the shelf life of the jam, so it’s best to consume it sooner rather than later.
