There is magic in the air as the sweet aroma of simmering fruits fills the kitchen during the holiday season. The vibrant colors of ruby red cranberries and sun-kissed strawberries blend together, creating a beautiful concoction that promises warmth and comfort. This feeling is best captured in a jar of Christmas Jam. Every scoop takes me back to memories of laughter and love shared at the table, reminding me of the heartwarming traditions passed down through generations.
The Heart Behind This Recipe
Christmas Jam is not just another recipe; it is a tradition that binds families together, much like other festive spreads such as Eggnog Jam. The act of making this jam transforms a simple gathering into a cherished memory. Growing up, I would watch my mother prepare this heartwarming spread, her hands skillfully chopping, stirring, and tasting, ensuring that each batch was as good as the last. The kitchen would echo with laughter as the family exchanged stories and experiences, all while waiting for the jam to bubble away on the stove.
Why do we invest our time in this task when spreads are readily available in stores? The answer is simple. Homemade Christmas jam is infused with love and care, turning the mundane into something extraordinary. It evokes the spirit of Christmas, symbolizing sharing and togetherness. Each jar, meticulously sealed, becomes a gift loaded with memories and the promise of joy. Making Christmas Jam is a heartfelt ritual that transcends time, reflecting both the past and the present.
How This Recipe Comes Together
โEvery time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.โ
Christmas Jam
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preparing 4 pint jars or 6 half-pint jars for canning. Wash them in hot soapy water, rinse well, and place them upside down on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
- Zest the orange carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside for later use.
- In a large pot, combine the cranberries and strawberries. Rinse fresh cranberries thoroughly and remove any damaged fruit.
- Add the zested orange, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, sugar, water, and powdered fruit pectin to the pot with the fruit. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Boil the mixture vigorously for 1โ2 minutes, stirring continuously until the colors deepen and the mixture thickens beautifully.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5โ10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Once processed, carefully remove the jars and set them on a kitchen towel to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Creating Christmas Jam is a delightful process that awakens not just your taste buds but all your senses. As the fruits combine, their vibrant colors and familiar aromas begin to transport you to family gatherings. Expect a mix of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries, accentuated by the warmth of spices and a hint of citrus zest. This is a recipe that fills your kitchen with a coziness that wraps around you like a warm blanket.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather these ingredients to create the Christmas Jam that will warm your heart:
- 16 oz cranberries (frozen or fresh unsweetened)
- 16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen unsweetened)
- 1 orange (zested)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional)
When selecting your cranberries and strawberries, fresh fruit is ideal, but frozen can work perfectly in a pinch. The zest from the orange adds a bright note to the otherwise rich, sweet jam. For a more complex flavor, consider the blend of spices cinnamon, cloves, and allspice that create an aromatic experience that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Jars:
Start by preparing 4 pint jars or 6 half-pint jars for canning. Wash them in hot soapy water, rinse well, and place them upside down on a clean kitchen towel to dry. - Prep the Orange:
Zest the orange carefully, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside for later use. - Process the Fruit:
In a large pot, combine the cranberries and strawberries. If using fresh cranberries, ensure to rinse them thoroughly and remove any damaged fruit. - Cook the Jam:
Add the zested orange, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, sugar, water, and powdered fruit pectin to the pot with the fruit. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. - Boil Vigorously:
Boil the mixture vigorously for 1โ2 minutes, stirring continuously. You will notice the colors deepening and the mixture thickening beautifully. - Jar the Jam:
Carefully ladle the hot jam into prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal. - Water Bath Processing:
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5โ10 minutes. This helps to seal the jars and preserve the jam. Once processed, carefully remove the jars and set them on a kitchen towel to cool completely.
Meanwhile, enjoy the patience and anticipation of waiting for those jars to set. It is a delightful moment when you see the jam glistening in its glass container, surrounded by the scents that linger in your kitchen.
Serving Christmas Jam With Family Warmth
The beauty of Christmas Jam extends beyond just its preparation. It is a centerpiece on the holiday table and invites loved ones to gather and share. Imagine spreading the luscious jam across warm, buttery toast, or adding a generous dollop to your holiday cheeseboard. The deep hues of cranberry and strawberry make it visually stunning, like little jewels glistening in the soft candlelight.
There is something inherently heartwarming about watching family and friends gather around the table, their laughter mingling with the aroma of the fruity spread. Whether slathered on breakfast scones or served with an assortment of festive Christmas cookies, Christmas Jam is a celebration in a jar.
How to Keep This Dish Restorative Tomorrow
Once you have opened a jar of Christmas Jam, savor the memories it brings. Store any opened jars in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to three weeks. The flavors deepen with time, allowing the spices to mingle more, making each serving just a bit richer than the last.
If you find that you have leftover jam, you can easily repurpose it. Swirl it into yogurt for a delightful breakfast or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or a slice of Christmas bread. Reheat it gently on the stove if you prefer it warm, and let the familiar scents encompass you once again.
Quiet Tips & Tricks
As you venture into your own Christmas Jam journey, here are a few tips I have gathered over the years:
- Substitutions: Consider using different fruits based on what you have available. Peaches and raspberries make delightful alternatives, providing a freshness to the traditional recipe.
- Timing: Begin making your jam early in the morning when the light filters softly into the kitchen, setting a serene atmosphere.
- Texture Cues: Look for the jam to become glossy as it boils. A test for doneness is to place a spoonful onto a cold plate and see if it holds its shape as it cools.
- Tools: A large, heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly. A canning funnel makes filling jars easier without the mess.
- Sealing: Ensure that your jars are warmed before filling them with hot jam to prevent breakage from thermal shock.
Family Twists on Christmas Jam
Every family brings their unique touch to classic recipes, and ours is no different. My aunt loves to add a hint of vanilla extract, introducing a lovely aroma that permeates the entire kitchen. Others may incorporate a touch of homemade apple cider, giving the jam a fragrant twist during the fall season.
In certain regions, some households include a splash of bourbon or rum, creating a more adult version of the jam. All of these variations speak to the heart of our holiday gatherings. They enrich the experience, each spoonful telling a story of its own moments shared around the kitchen table, filled with laughter, love, and a delightful spread.
FAQs About Christmas Jam
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, it gives a softer sweetness and reminds me of my motherโs spring version. Honey provides a unique flavor that complements the fruits beautifully.
What is the best way to store unopened jars?
Keep your unopened jars in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard is ideal for preserving the freshness before opening.
How long does Christmas Jam last once opened?
Opened jars are best enjoyed within three weeks when stored in the refrigerator, where the flavors continue to develop.
Can I freeze Christmas Jam?
Absolutely! Freezing it can extend its life significantly. Just place it in freezer-safe containers and enjoy the fresh taste anytime.
Can I make this without the pectin?
Certainly! It may take a bit longer to achieve the right consistency, but you can naturally thicken the jam by long-simmering the fruits or using other thickening agents.
A Final Thought
As the holiday season approaches, allowing Christmas Jam to become part of your familyโs traditions will cultivate connections. The kitchen transforms into a space of warmth and joy, filled with scents that evoke cherished memories. When you share this glorious jam with your loved ones, it becomes much more than a simple spread. It is an invitation to share stories, recall past hugs, and create new moments to treasure. So, prepare to spread the love this holiday season with your homemade Christmas Jam, and create your own vivid tapestry of shared memories that will last long after the jars are empty.
Join Me at the Family Table on Facebook
In our family, recipes arenโt just instructions theyโre stories passed from one kitchen to another. If youโd like to gather around my table and discover more comforting dishes like this one, Iโd love for you to join me on Facebook. Thatโs where I share more of the recipes that have warmed our home for generations.
