Description
Festive holiday spirits shine through this classic Spiced Christmas Jam, blending traditional warmth with seasonal cheer. Homemade preserves deliver rich flavors you’ll cherish during winter gatherings and delightful morning breakfasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 2 cups (250 grams / 8.8 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups (250 grams / 8.8 ounces) strawberries or raspberries, hulled
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated
Sweetener and Liquid:
- 2 cups (400 grams / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather fresh, vibrant cranberries, ripe strawberries, and a crisp apple. Select a large, sturdy saucepan that will accommodate the fruity mixture comfortably.
- Grate the apple and slice the fruits into manageable pieces. Pour orange juice into the saucepan, creating a fragrant liquid base.
- Heat the mixture over medium flame, encouraging the cranberries to burst and release their rich, tart essence. Gently mash the fruits using a potato masher, creating a rustic texture that will define the jam’s character.
- Introduce aromatic spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sprinkle sugar into the bubbling concoction, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even distribution.
- Elevate the heat slightly, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil. Continue stirring, watching the consistency transform as the jam thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
- Perform the cold plate test by dropping a small amount of jam onto a chilled surface. If the jam maintains its shape and doesn’t immediately spread, it has reached the perfect setting point.
- Remove from heat and infuse with a splash of pure vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate the warm, sweet flavor throughout the mixture.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Secure the lids tightly, creating an airtight seal.
- Allow the jars to cool naturally at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator for short-term storage or process in a boiling water bath for long-term preservation.
Notes
- Select ripe, fresh fruits for the most vibrant and intense flavor profile in your Christmas jam.
- Adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your chosen berries to control overall jam sweetness.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise jam consistency if you’re uncertain about the traditional plate test method.
- Consider swapping white sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a more natural, deeper flavor variation that works well for health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg