Are you looking for a fruity and festive recipe to add holiday cheer? If so, this Christmas jam is a perfect choice!
This delicious and easy-to-make treat will brighten up any holiday celebration.
It combines the sweet, tart deliciousness of strawberries and cranberries.
Not only can it be enjoyed as a spread but also as an ingredient in desserts.
You can use it for cookies, cakes, pies, and muffins.
Plus, it’s perfect if you want something to share with your holiday celebration guests.
Read on and learn how to prepare a big batch right at home!
Christmas Jam
When it comes to gift giving, there’s nothing I love more than a good old-fashioned homemade treat.
And this Christmas jam recipe is the star of the holiday basket goodies.
Our holiday celebration won’t be complete without us spending hours making jam in the kitchen.
From the process of cooking the jam, canning them, and decorating the jars, it’s a tradition!
I love adding a festive ribbon to each jar and writing personalized notes.
This homemade treat is perfect if you want your loved ones to feel special.
It’s a classic, and you can use it for all kinds of things. You can use it as a spread or for making delicious desserts.
Once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become a holiday tradition in your home!
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries and cranberries – This combination packs fruity, festive flavors to match the season. Be sure to use frozen fruits when they’re perfectly thawed.
- Sugar – It’s the key ingredient for a sweet and delightful Christmas jam.
- Liquid fruit pectin – It helps thicken the mixture.
Storage
Christmas is the season for giving and indulging in delicious treats.
And this Christmas jam recipe is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
So stock up on delicious jams and share them for the holidays!
Here are some tips for storing your jams so they’ll last through the holidays and beyond.
1. Fill clean and sterilized jars with the freshly made jam, leaving about a quarter inch of space at the top.
2. Put the lids on the jars and close them tightly.
3. Label the jars with the type of jam and the date it was made.
4. Place the jars in a cool, dark place like the pantry or cupboard.
5. Check on the jars periodically to make sure the lids are still tight and that the jam is not leaking.
6. Unsealed jars will remain fresh and safe to consume for up to 3 weeks. Be sure to store them in the refrigerator after use.
7. If you want to store the jam for months, keep it sealed and place it in a cool, dark, and dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 8 months.
8. If you’re planning to give it as a Christmas gift, decorate the jar with fancy ribbons.
Tips for the Best Christmas Jam
Christmas is the time of year when we get more experimental in the kitchen.
It’s fun to try new things, and even better if they turn out delicious!
But what about jams? How do you know if your homemade treat will turn out great?
Well, I have some tips for making sure your jams are absolutely perfect this year!
- Add a hint of acidity. A few teaspoons of lemon juice will help to bring out the flavor of the fruit.
- Substitute pectin with citrus peels for a healthier, more natural treat. You can use orange, lemon, grapefruit, or any citrus fruits available. These fruits are naturally high in pectin. But be sure to let it cook longer for a thicker consistency.
- Sweeten your jam with honey. Instead of sugar, you can use honey for extra decadence. This substitute is perfect if you’ll use citrus peels instead of pectin. Or if you do plan on using pectin, be sure to reduce the amount you’ll add.
- Don’t forget the spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are great additions if you want a warmer and more flavorful treat.
- Adjust the sweetness. Adjust the sweetener depending on your taste preferences and the sweetness of the fruits you use.
- Don’t overcook the jam. If you cook the pectin for more than one minute, the consistency of the jam will change. It will form clumps and fail to thicken the mixture.
- Thaw the frozen fruits properly. If you’re using frozen fruits, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This process will help keep your jam from becoming too runny when you cook them.
- Don’t puree the fruits when you place them in the processor. Jams are even better when it has small chunks of fruits remaining. It also helps in keeping a thick consistency for your final product.