Christmas Freezer Jam
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Resting Time
10 mins
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Servings
32 ounces
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Calories
95 kcal
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Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
American
Christmas Freezer Jam
Description
The Christmas Freezer Jam recipe features fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries simmered together with sugar, orange zest, and strawberry Jell-O to develop a richly flavored jam. The cooking process involves bringing the fruit and sugar to a boil, which helps the berries break down and release natural juices, then simmering to thicken the mixture. Using a larger saucepan with high sides reduces mess from bubbling as the jam cooks. The interplay of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries gives the jam a distinctive holiday flavor that's both bright and sweet.
Texturally, the jam achieves a spreadable consistency through simmering without additional pectin, benefiting from the Jell-O as a setting agent. The orange zest adds a subtle citrus aroma that enhances the fruit flavors. This jam works well as a topping for toast, biscuits, or as an ingredient in desserts. Because it's freezer jam, it can be made in larger batches and stored for up to one year, offering convenience during busy times.
For storing, the jam should be kept airtight either in the fridge for a few weeks or in the freezer for longer periods. It's important to use clean jars and utensils to maintain quality and safety. The recipe notes that the jam can be made with frozen fruit directly without thawing, though it requires longer cooking time to break down the fruit completely. Overall, this jam delivers a festive and practical preserve for winter months.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cranberry fresh or frozen
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups strawberries hulled and quartered if using fresh; frozen berries are ok, including a blend of frozen mixed berries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 ounce strawberry Jell-O read the FAQs if you want to use pectin instead or another flavor of Jello-O. I do not recommend sugar-free; note that Jell-O is typically sold in 3 and 6-ounce packages and you want the 3-ounce size, package
Instructions
- To a large saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, strawberries, orange zest, and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring a lot in the beginning since there is no added liquid and you need to help encourage the fruit to break down and release its natural juice. Tip - Use a high sided saucepan and err on the side of bigger rather than skimping. Jam will sputter and bubble up and it's less messy and simply easier to have enough "room" in your saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the strawberries are soft; stir very frequently and scrape down the sides of the saucepan with a spatula as needed. Tip - If you're using frozen fruit, you don't have to thaw it first and can add it straight to the saucepan. However, the cooking time will increase by 10 minutes or so because you're starting with frozen ingredients.
- Optional: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully blend the mixture using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. If you're not doing this, just keep the pan on the heat.
- Return the pan to the stove, sprinkle the Jell-O on top, stir it in to combine, and allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to sit off the heat (but still in the pan) for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Thickening Tip - Note that jam will continue to thicken as it sits and cools to room temp (step 7 below) so don't be alarmed if it seems a bit thin or runny now when it's still quite warm.
- Ladle the jam into clean freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing. If you have a funnel, it may be helpful, too.
- Allow the jam cool to room temperature (depending on the temp of your kitchen, this could be 30 minutes or it could be 3 hours), and then seal the containers with lid and place the containers in the freezer. Storage and Gifting Tips - I usually freeze 3 and keep 1 in the fridge (using 8-ounce containers). If you're gifting this, I would keep place it in decorative jars, and store in the fridge until you're ready to gift it, up to about a week in advance. However, if you know you're not gifting it for many weeks, then place it in freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer until you're ready to gift it.
- When ready to use, thaw the jam in the refrigerator. Once thawed, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within about 2 weeks, noting there are no artificial preservatives added so always use your own judgment.
Notes
- Use a large, high-sided saucepan to prevent splattering while cooking the jam.
- Frozen berries can be added straight into the pot but require about 10 extra minutes of cooking time.
- Store the jam airtight in the freezer for up to 1 year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Check jam for freshness before use, as it contains no artificial preservatives.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 32ounces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 95 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1ounce | |
| Calories | 95kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 0.4g | 1% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.002g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 17mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 25mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 9IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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