This is a beautifully written and utterly delightful recipe for Christmas Jam! Youāve perfectly captured the warmth, joy, and nostalgia of homemade holiday cooking. The copy is so evocative it practically makes me smell the oranges and cinnamon.
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Homemade Christmas Jam: A Jar of Holiday Joy
Thereās something deeply joyful about opening a jar of homemade jam in the dead of winter.
The vibrant red hue. The scent of citrus and warm spices. That first spoonful of sweet-tart bliss on warm toast or a wheel of brieā¦
This Christmas Jam isnāt just a spread. Itās a celebration in a jarāa burst of tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, bright orange zest, and cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
No artificial flavors. No mystery ingredients. Just real fruit, simmered into glossy perfection.
š Why This Jam Is a Holiday Hero
This recipe is next-level festive. Hereās what makes it special:
- ā Festive Flavor Combo: Cranberry-strawberry-orange is holiday in every bite.
- ā Easy to Make: One pot, under 30 minutes of active time.
- ā Beautiful Color & Texture: A deep ruby red, perfect for gifting.
- ā Freezer- and Canning-Friendly: Make a batch now, enjoy it all year.
- ā Crowd-Pleaser Approved: Even skeptics go back for seconds.
Itās not just a condiment. Itās love preserved.
š Ingredients Youāll Need
- 2 cups (200g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened apple juice (adds natural pectin and sweetness)
- Zest and juice of 1 medium orange
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Ā½ tsp ground cloves
- Ā½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin (like Ball or Sure-Jell)
š” Pro Tip: Use organic fruit when possibleāit tastes brighter and preserves better.
š„ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Simmer the Fruit
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cranberries, strawberries, apple juice, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8ā10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the berries break down.
- š Texture Tip: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to crush the fruit to your preferred consistencyāsmooth or chunky!
Step 2: Add Sugar & Spices
Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil (one that doesnāt stop bubbling when stirred). Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add Pectin & Finish
Remove the pot from the heat. Immediately stir in the entire pouch of liquid pectin for about 30 seconds. Do not boil after adding the pectin.
Step 4: Jar It Up
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving Ā¼-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth. Seal tightly with lids and bands.
š½ļø How to Store Your Christmas Jam
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 weeks | Cool completely, then refrigerate. Always use a clean spoon! |
| Freezer | Up to 1 year | Use freezer-safe jars (leave extra headspace). Thaw in the refrigerator. |
| Water Bath Canning | Up to 1 year in pantry | Process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. |
š Donāt forget: Label each jar with the date and nameāespecially if gifting!
š How to Gift It (And Make It Magical)
Turn your jam into a handmade holiday treasure:
- Dress it Up: Tie with burlap ribbon, twine, or lace.
- Add a Personal Tag: Write āHandmade with Love ā Open & Share Joyā.
- Create a Gift Bundle: Pair the jam with:
- A mini wooden spoon
- A small wheel of brie and a box of crackers
- A bag of homemade hot cocoa mix
- Make a Trio: Bundle three different homemade jams for a āHoliday Trioā.
Bonus: Kids love helpingālet them decorate the labels or stir the pot!
š” Pro Tips for Next-Level Success
- Taste Before Pectin: Adjust sugar or spices before adding the pectin, as you canāt change it after boiling.
- Use a Wide Pot: Faster evaporation leads to a thicker jam.
- Test the Set: Place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it, itās ready.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar to 1 cup. Itās still delicious!
- Fun Add-Ins: Try a splash of vanilla, a pinch of ginger, or a tablespoon of brandy for a festive upgrade.
ā¤ļø Final Thought: Great Food Doesnāt Have to Be Complicated
You donāt need 17 ingredients or a culinary degree to make something magical.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few handfuls of fruit, a sprinkle of spice, and the courage to say: āToday, Iām making memories.ā
And when your partner says, āDid you buy this?ā Or your friend hugs you after tasting itā¦ Youāll know.
You didnāt just make jam.
You made love.
