Description
This festive Christmas Jam blends tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and fresh orange zest to create a vibrant, flavorful spread perfect for the holiday season. Simmered with cinnamon and sugar, this homemade jam balances sweet and tangy notes, ideal for spreading on toast, serving alongside cheeses, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries (one bag)
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Zest and chopped fruit of one orange
Liquid Ingredients
- ¼ cup water or orange juice
Sweeteners and Spices
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Rinse the cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Hull and chop the strawberries, then combine them in a large pot along with cranberries, peeled and diced orange flesh, orange zest, and the orange juice or water.
- Add sugar and cinnamon: Stir in the sugar and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, then increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the jam thicken.
- Test the set: To check if the jam has set, place a spoonful onto a cold plate; if it firms up after a minute, it is ready. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer—the jam should reach 220°F (218°F at 1000 feet elevation) to gel properly.
- Jar the jam: While still hot, pour the jam into sterilized jars leaving ¼ inch headspace. Seal with two-part canning lids.
- Process jars (optional): To preserve, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet elevation.
- Cool and store: Let jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars last 12-18 months in the pantry. Refrigerate after opening. For refrigerator jam, skip the canning process and store the sealed jars in the fridge.
Notes
- Canning is optional; this recipe can be stored refrigerated for immediate use without processing.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- Be mindful of altitude adjustments in boiling temperature for proper jelling.
- Use sterilized jars and lids to ensure safe preservation if canning.
- To thicken jam faster, you can simmer uncovered, stirring frequently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday jam, homemade jam, fruit preserve, cinnamon jam
