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A Christmas jam recipe is all you need to bring the flavors of the holidays to life. This sweet and spicy jam combines festive spices and vibrant fruits, making it a must-have for your holiday table. Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast, pairing it with Christmas butter cookies, or giving it as a thoughtful gift, this homemade jam is sure to add joy to your celebrations. Let’s get started.
What Makes Christmas Jam Recipe Special?
Christmas jam isn’t your average fruit spread. Its signature blend of sweet berries and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make it a holiday favorite. Imagine the flavors of your favorite Christmas pie recipes combined into a luscious, spreadable jam. It’s perfect for creating memorable breakfasts or unique desserts, and it adds a festive flair to any dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your homemade Christmas jam:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 4 cups (hulled) |
| Cranberries (fresh/frozen) | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 4 cups |
| Orange juice | 1 cup (freshly squeezed) |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Pectin | 1 packet |
Feel free to adjust the spices to match your preferred level of warmth and flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and hull the strawberries.
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
Step 2: Cook the Fruit Base
- In a large pot, combine strawberries, cranberries, and orange juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits soften (about 10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices
- Stir in granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Add Pectin
- Sprinkle the pectin evenly over the mixture and stir well.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Jar Your Jam
- Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
- Seal the jars and let them cool completely before storing.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Jam
- Choose Fresh Fruits: Use ripe strawberries and fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking can break down the pectin and affect the jam’s texture.
- Test for Doneness: Use a spoon to check if the jam thickens as it cools.
How to Store Your Jam
Proper storage ensures your jam stays fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze jars for up to a year. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- Canning: Use a water bath canning process for long-term shelf storage.
Pairing Christmas Jam with Holiday Treats
Christmas jam shines brightest when paired with the right holiday treats. Here are a few ideas:
- Spread it on Christmas butter cookies for a fruity twist.
- Use it as a filling for vegan Christmas cookies to make them extra festive.
- Add a dollop to Christmas pie recipes for an unexpected burst of flavor.
- Swirl it into your favorite easy Christmas candy recipes for a unique touch.
Adding a Vegan Twist
Want to make your jam completely vegan? Opt for plant-based pectin and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified. This simple tweak makes the recipe accessible for everyone at your holiday table.
Gift Ideas Using Homemade Christmas Jam
Homemade Christmas jam makes for a thoughtful and heartfelt gift. Here’s how to package it beautifully:
- Use decorative mason jars.
- Tie a festive ribbon around the jar lid.
- Add a handwritten tag with serving suggestions.
- Bundle the jam with a few homemade cookies or candies for a personalized gift basket.
FAQs About Christmas Jam
Q: Can I use frozen fruits?
A: Yes, frozen strawberries and cranberries work well if fresh ones aren’t available.
Q: Is Christmas jam gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q: How do I fix jam that’s too runny?
A: Re-boil the jam with a bit more pectin or cook it longer to thicken.
Conclusion
This Christmas jam recipe is the ultimate holiday treat—sweet, spicy, and bursting with festive flavors. Whether you’re savoring it with breakfast, baking it into desserts, or gifting it to loved ones, this jam is sure to spread holiday cheer. Get creative with pairings like vegan Christmas cookies or Christmas butter cookies, and let this delightful recipe become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Spread the love, one jar at a time. Happy holidays!