Description
This vibrant Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries, strawberries, and orange zest to create a festive and flavorful preserve perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts. Sweetened with sugar and infused with cinnamon, this jam offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet, with a warm spiced aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries (one bag)
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Zest of one orange
- Fruit of one orange, peeled and chopped
Liquid and Sweetener
- ¼ cup water or orange juice
- 4 cups sugar
Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Rinse cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Hull and chop the strawberries, then combine them with the cranberries, peeled and chopped orange flesh, orange zest, and your choice of water or orange juice in a large pot to start the jam base.
- Add Sugar and Spice: Stir in 4 cups of sugar along with one cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to heat evenly.
- Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the jam to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Test for Setting: To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. If it firms up, it’s set. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer; jam sets at 220°F at sea level, adjusting 1°F lower for every 500 feet of elevation above sea level.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Seal with two-part canning lids. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes, or for 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet elevation, to ensure safe sealing.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place where they will keep at peak quality for 12-18 months. Once opened, refrigerate the jam. Alternatively, skip canning and store as refrigerator jam, simply capping jars and refrigerating immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute water with orange juice for a more citrusy flavor.
- The cinnamon stick adds a warm spice note; it can be removed before jarring if desired.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste but remember sugar helps with preservation and setting.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to avoid spoilage.
- Jam sets at different temperatures depending on your altitude, so adjust accordingly.
- This jam is perfect for gifting when canned properly or serving fresh during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves, Spreads
- Method: Boiling, Simmering, Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 40g)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday preserves, citrus jam, cinnamon jam, homemade jam, canned jam
