Name: Merry Christmas Jam Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled); 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen); 3 cups granulated sugar; 1 medium apple (grated with peel); Juice and zest of 1 orange; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ cup water; 1 packet powdered pectin (optional)

Merry Christmas Jam is a delightful and festive homemade preserve, perfect for spreading the holiday cheer. Combining sweet berries with warm spices, this jam encapsulates the essence of Christmas in a jar. Whether used as a gift or enjoyed at the breakfast table, it adds a fruity, spiced touch to toast, pastries, or even as a glaze for meats. The balance of strawberries, cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves makes every spoonful nostalgic and flavorful.

Making Merry Christmas Jam at home is surprisingly easy, and you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with the scent of holiday spices. This recipe will walk you through the process, offering tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ingredients:

2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled)
2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
3 cups granulated sugar
1 medium apple (grated, with peel)
Juice and zest of 1 orange
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup water
1 packet powdered pectin (optional, if you prefer a thicker consistency)

Preparation:

1: Prepare the Fruit

Wash the strawberries and cranberries thoroughly.
If using fresh strawberries, hull and halve them. Frozen berries can go directly into the pot.
Grate the apple (skin included) to release natural pectin, which helps thicken the jam.

2: Cook the Fruit Mixture

In a large pot, combine the strawberries, cranberries, grated apple, orange zest, orange juice, and water.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit begins to break down (around 10 minutes).
Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the fruits for a smoother consistency, if desired.

3: Add the Spices and Sugar

Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually add the sugar and continue stirring until it dissolves completely.

4: Boil the Jam

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
If using pectin, stir it in now to thicken the jam further. Boil for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
To test for doneness, place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate—if it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it’s ready.

5: Jar the Jam

Sterilize glass jars by boiling them in hot water for 10 minutes.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
Wipe the rims clean, seal tightly with lids, and let the jars cool at room temperature.

Variation

Citrus twist: Add lemon zest along with the orange for a tangier flavor.
Spiked version: Stir in a splash of brandy or rum at the end of cooking for an adult-friendly jam.
Mixed berry blend: Substitute some strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a richer fruit blend.
Less sugar: Use a low-sugar pectin and reduce the sugar by half for a healthier option.

Cooking Note

If you prefer a chunkier jam, mash the fruits lightly. For a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender.
This jam keeps well in sealed jars for up to 12 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Spread the Merry Christmas Jam on toast, English muffins, or scones for a festive breakfast.
Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or tarts.
Pair it with cheese and crackers on a holiday charcuterie board.
Add a spoonful to plain yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity twist.
Glaze a roast ham or turkey with this jam for a flavorful holiday dinner.

Tips

Make sure the jars are properly sterilized to prevent any contamination.
If your jam isn’t setting, you can add a bit more pectin and reboil.
For gifts, decorate the jars with festive ribbons and labels.
Double the batch if you’re making the jam for holiday gifts or parties.

Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon):

Calories: 50
Protein: 0.1 g
Sodium: 1 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries and cranberries work perfectly. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking.

2. Do I have to use pectin?

No, the apple provides natural pectin, but adding powdered pectin ensures a thicker jam if preferred.

3. How long will the jam last?

Sealed jars can last up to 12 months. After opening, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can use a low-sugar pectin to maintain the texture while using less sugar.

5. What if my jam doesn’t set?

If the jam is too runny, you can reheat it with more pectin and boil for a few minutes. Alternatively, use it as a fruit syrup for pancakes or waffles.

Conclusion

Merry Christmas Jam is the perfect way to celebrate the season, capturing the warmth and flavors of the holidays in a jar. With its bright berries, warm spices, and zesty citrus notes, this jam makes a delightful addition to your festive gatherings. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or gifting it to loved ones, this homemade treat adds a touch of holiday magic to every bite.