Description
A festive Merry Christmas Jam made with strawberries, cranberries, and warm spices. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, this jam is ideal for gifting, glazing roasts, or enjoying with breakfast pastries. Capture the essence of Christmas with this flavorful preserve!
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and hull the strawberries. Grate the apple with the peel to release natural pectin.
- Cook the fruit mixture: In a large pot, combine the strawberries, cranberries, grated apple, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Heat over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash the fruit lightly if desired.
- Add sugar and spices: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Boil the mixture: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in pectin (if using) and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Test for doneness: Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
- Jar the jam: Sterilize jars by boiling them for 10 minutes. Pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch space at the top. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature.
Notes
- If the jam is too runny, add more pectin and reboil.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.
- This jam makes an excellent glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Preserves, Condiments
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Merry Christmas Jam, holiday jam, festive preserves, spiced berry jam, Christmas preserves