Christmas Jam
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Additional Time
12 hrs
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Total Time
13 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
10 (8 ounce) jars approximately
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Calories
47 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Christmas Jam
Description
Christmas Jam features a blend of strawberries and cranberries coarsely chopped to retain chunks for texture, mixed with orange zest and warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The fruit mixture is cooked with sugar and liquid fruit pectin brought to a full rolling boil to activate the pectin and achieve proper gel consistency. The jam maintains a thick, spreadable texture with visible fruit pieces rather than being fully pureed.
The mixture is skimmed after cooking to remove foam, resulting in a clear, rich jam that’s festive and aromatic. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries, enhanced by citrus and spice, offers a seasonal flavor profile well-suited to holiday breakfasts and entertaining.
This jam can be paired with biscuits, breads, or as part of a charcuterie board spread during the holiday season. It is also thoughtful as a homemade gift, easily decorated on jars using simple festive touches such as ribbons or sprigs of greens to complement the season.
The recipe advises simple yet charming decoration ideas to personalize jam jars for gifting. Due to the substantial sugar content, the jam preserves well when properly stored and sealed.
Ingredients
- 40 ounces strawberries thawed or partially thawed (or sub with 2-½ quarts fresh strawberries, hulled, frozen, unsweetened
- 1 lb. cranberries thawed or partially thawed, fresh or frozen
- orange about 2 tablespoons, zest from 2 oranges
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 4 lbs. granulated sugar
- 2 liquid fruit pectin pouches, 3 ounces each
Instructions
- Coarsely chop the strawberries and cranberries in a food processor or grinder (do not puree). It’s fine if you still have some larger chunks of fruit – you can mash them with a potato masher or a wooden spoon while they’re cooking. You don’t want the fruit totally pureed, because this is jam (not syrup or jelly!) – and it should have some chunky pieces of fruit throughout.
- Transfer the fruit to a large Dutch oven. Add orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and sugar. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture comes to a full rolling boil, continue the boil for exactly 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in pectin and return to a full rolling boil. Once the mixture returns to a full rolling boil, set a timer and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
- Cool for 5 minutes; skim off the foam. At this point, the mixture will still be quite thin – it will not look like a thick jam. That’s fine! It will thicken and set as it cools. Carefully ladle the hot mixture into hot, sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth; secure the lids.
- Process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars to a towel on the counter.
- Let stand, undisturbed, for 12 hours at room temperature. Check the seals after 12 hours by pressing the center of the lids. If the lid gives or the center button remains popped up, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Properly sealed jars will keep in a cool, dark place for up to 8 months. Refrigerate after opening.
Notes
- Use coarsely chopped fruit, not pureed, to retain chunks characteristic of jam.
- This jam makes a thoughtful holiday gift paired with baked goods or charcuterie items.
- Simple decorations like gingham ribbon or small sprigs enhance presentation on jars.
- Keep jars sealed and store in a cool place to maintain quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10(8 ounce) jars approximately
Amount Per Serving
Calories 47 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1tablespoon | |
| Calories | 47kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 14mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 3IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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