Bring the warm and cozy flavors of the holiday season to your breakfast table with this delightful Spiced Christmas Jam. Bursting with the sweetness of strawberries, the tartness of cranberries, and a medley of festive spices, this jam is a perfect homemade treat or a thoughtful gift during the holiday season. Let’s embark on the journey of creating a jar full of Christmas cheer.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 orange, zest, and juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash the cranberries and strawberries. Hull the strawberries and chop them into small pieces. Zest and juice the orange.
- Cook the Fruit Mixture:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cranberries, chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a Boil:
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Simmer and Stir:
- Simmer the jam on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Check for Consistency:
- To test the jam’s consistency, place a small amount on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam, and if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking and test again.
- Remove from Heat:
- Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat.
- Cool and Jar:
- Allow the jam to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface. Carefully ladle the jam into sterilized jars.
- Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Place sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they’re fingertip-tight.
- Water Bath (Optional):
- If you plan to store the jam for an extended period, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Label and Store:
- Label the jars with the date and flavor. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Optional Tips:
- Customize the spice levels to your preference. If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a bit more; if you enjoy the warmth of cloves, adjust accordingly.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Spread the warmth and flavors of the season with each spoonful of Spiced Christmas Jam. This jam is a festive addition to your kitchen, whether it’s spread on fresh bread, used as a pancake topping, or given as a thoughtful holiday gift. Capture the essence of the holidays in a jar and share the joy with family and friends! 🎄🍓🎁