Description
A delightful blend of seasonal fruits and spices, this Christmas Jam captures the essence of the holidays in a jar. The addition of ginger adds a warm, zesty twist that sets it apart from traditional recipes. Perfect for gifting or spreading joy on your morning toast!
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or potato masher
- Sterilized canning jars with lids (8-ounce size)
- Water bath canner or large stockpot
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- Zest and juice of 1 large orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Base
- In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, and diced apple.
- Add the orange zest, orange juice, and grated ginger.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water to prevent sticking.
- Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Cook Until Fruits Soften
- Reduce heat to medium and let the fruits simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the cranberries pop and the fruits are tender.
- Blend the Mixture
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Use an immersion blender or potato masher to achieve your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
- Add Sugar and Spices
- Return the saucepan to medium heat.
- Stir in 4 cups of granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.
- Incorporate the Pectin
- Stir in the liquid fruit pectin quickly and return to a full boil.
- Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Test for Doneness
- Perform a gel test by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate.
- Allow it to cool for a minute, then push it with your finger.
- If it wrinkles slightly, the jam is ready. If not, boil for an additional minute and retest.
- Prepare for Canning
- Skim off any foam from the surface of the jam.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
- Process the Jars
- Place the filled jars into a water bath canner with boiling water.
- Ensure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
- Cool and Store
- Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface.
- Let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid—if it doesn’t pop back, the seal is good.
- Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Original Twist: The addition of fresh grated ginger gives this jam a warm, zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the fruits and the warmth of the spices. This subtle zing sets it apart from traditional Christmas jam recipes, adding a layer of complexity that delights the palate.
- Ginger Benefits: Not only does ginger add flavor, but it also brings health benefits like aiding digestion and boosting immunity—perfect for the holiday season.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar to 3 cups. Keep in mind that this may affect the jam’s set, so consider using a low-sugar pectin.
- Alternative Fruits: Feel free to substitute raspberries for strawberries or add blueberries for a mixed berry version.
- Spice Variation: For an extra festive flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of allspice.
- No Pectin? If you don’t have pectin on hand, no worries! Simply add an extra diced apple to the recipe—the natural pectin in apples helps the jam set. Cook the jam a bit longer, about 10-15 minutes more, until it thickens to your liking. To test if it’s ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate, let it cool, and if it wrinkles when you push it, your jam is good to go.
Enjoy the Warmth of the Holidays
There’s something magical about crafting your own jam, especially one that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. This jam isn’t just a spread; it’s a celebration of the season’s best flavors. Whether you’re slathering it on a warm scone or gifting a jar to a loved one, it’s sure to bring joy and warmth to the holiday festivities.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Protein: 0 g