Description
Spiced Christmas Jam is a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and cranberries infused with warm holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Perfect as a festive spread for toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for roasted meats, this jam captures the essence of the holiday season in every jar. Made with natural fruit pectin and orange zest, it can be easily canned for long-term storage or enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Spices and Pectin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin
Sweetener
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Fruits and Simmer: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften, approximately 10 minutes.
- Break Down Fruit: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the fruit to your desired consistency, ensuring a smooth or slightly chunky texture based on preference.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg evenly into the fruit mixture to infuse warm holiday flavors.
- Incorporate Pectin and Boil: Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture and bring it to a rolling boil. This step helps the jam set effectively.
- Add Sugar and Boil Again: Stir in all the sugar at once and return the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Boil for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve sugar and activate pectin.
- Remove Foam: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure a clear, smooth jam.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids tightly.
- Optional Canning: For longer shelf life, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: If not canning, let the jars cool. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- This spiced jam makes an excellent holiday gift, adding a festive touch to any breakfast table.
- It’s versatile and can be used on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for roasted meats, enhancing savory dishes.
- You may use frozen fruit directly without thawing, but increase cooking time slightly to achieve the desired fruit softness.
