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Christmas Jam Recipe: Easy Homemade Festive Spread for Perfect Holiday Gifts

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This festive Christmas jam blends strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices for a sweet-tart spread that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifting. Quick to make and bursting with seasonal flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh or frozen, about 600g)
  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen, about 200g)
  • Zest from 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred, 120ml)
  • 4 cups granulated sugar (800g)
  • 1 pouch liquid fruit pectin (6 oz / 170ml, e.g., Sure-Jell)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Optional: up to 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (reduce sugar accordingly)
  • Optional: 1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled and cored, 150g)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions

  1. Wash 5-6 half-pint (8 oz) jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and keep warm (in a 200°F oven or hot water).
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and any optional apples or ginger.
  3. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until fruit softens and releases juices.
  4. Mash fruit with a potato masher or pulse with an immersion blender for desired texture.
  5. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and optional honey or maple syrup. Mix well.
  6. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Skim foam if desired.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in liquid fruit pectin. Mix for 2 minutes until well combined.
  8. Ladle hot jam into warm jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, add lids and bands, and tighten until fingertip tight.
  9. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (add extra time for high altitude).
  10. Remove jars and let cool for 12-24 hours. Check seals; refrigerate any unsealed jars.

Notes

Use ripe fruit for best flavor. Taste fruit before cooking and adjust sugar if needed. For a lower-sugar version, use low-sugar pectin and halve the sugar. Let jars sit for a week before eating for deeper flavor. Decorate jars for gifting with ribbons and labels. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year; refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas jam, holiday jam, strawberry cranberry jam, homemade jam, festive spread, edible gifts, canning, preserves, breakfast, holiday recipe

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