Description
This Spiced Christmas Jam is a festive, tangy, and sweet cranberry preserve infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and fruit pectin, it captures the flavors of the holiday season perfectly. Ideal for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)
Sweetener and Spices
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Setting Agent
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Cook Cranberries and Spices: In a large saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, approximately 10-15 minutes. This releases the natural pectin and infuses the jam with warm spice flavors.
- Add Fruit Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly to ensure it is fully incorporated into the mixture. The pectin helps the jam set properly.
- Simmer for Consistency: Continue cooking the jam for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the jam reaches your desired thickness and consistency.
- Prepare Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
- Clean Jar Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jam residue to prevent seal failure.
- Process Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure a proper airtight seal, which preserves the jam safely.
- Cool and Store: Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or rack. Once cooled, store the jam in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy: For the best flavor and freshness, consume the jam within one year.
Notes
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized properly to avoid spoilage.
- The optional lemon juice adds tartness and helps with setting but can be omitted if desired.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- If you want a smoother jam, you can lightly mash the cranberries before cooking.
- Store opened jam in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks.
