Christmas Jam Recipe A Festive Homemade Treat

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🎄 Christmas Jam Recipe

A Festive Homemade Treat

This jam combines bright cranberries, sweet strawberries, and warm holiday spices — a beautiful red spread that’s as delicious as it is gift-worthy.

📋 Ingredients (Makes ~6 half-pint jars)

  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled and chopped)

  • 4 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin (like Certo)

  • 1/2 cup water

  • Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten the flavor)

🥣 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

  • In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, and water.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and the mixture softens.

🔹 Step 2: Blend (Optional)

  • For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender carefully) to puree the mixture to your desired texture.

  • If you like it chunky, skip this step.

🔹 Step 3: Add Sugar & Spices

  • Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon juice (if using).

  • Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

🔹 Step 4: Add Pectin

  • Once boiling, stir in the liquid pectin.

  • Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

🔹 Step 5: Jar the Jam

  • Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

  • Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

  • Wipe rims, place on lids, and screw on bands fingertip-tight.

🔹 Step 6: Process the Jars (Optional for long shelf life)

  • Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

  • Remove and let cool. Lids should “pop” to seal.

🧊 Storage

  • Processed jars: Store in pantry for up to 1 year.

  • Unprocessed jars: Store in fridge and use within 4–6 weeks.

  • Freezer (if using freezer-safe containers): Up to 6 months.

🎁 Holiday Gifting Ideas

  • Decorate jars with ribbon, twine, or fabric.

  • Add a label: “Christmas Jam – Made with Love”

  • Pair with:

    • Fresh bread or scones

    • A mini cheese board

    • Holiday tea or coffee blends

🧾 Nutrition Estimate (1 tbsp serving)

Nutrient Amount (approx.)
Calories 40
Sugar 10g
Carbs 10g
Fat 0g

❓ Christmas Jam Q&A

🍓 Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work great — no need to thaw beforehand.

🍋 Is lemon juice necessary?

It’s optional but adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness. It can also help with preservation.

🧂 Can I reduce the sugar?

Only slightly. Sugar is essential for both taste and texture in jam. Reducing it too much may prevent it from setting properly.

🧃 Can I use powdered pectin instead of liquid?

Yes, but follow the powdered pectin instructions, as it requires a different method (usually added earlier in the process).

🎄 Can I change the spices?

Yes! Try adding:

  • Allspice

  • Ginger

  • Or even a splash of orange juice/zest for a citrusy twist.

🍞 How can I serve Christmas jam?

  • On toast, biscuits, muffins

  • As a glaze on ham or turkey

  • With cream cheese and crackers

  • Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal.

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