How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful way to capture the essence of the holiday season in a jar, learning How to Make Christmas Jam is your ticket to festive flavor heaven. This jam combines vibrant cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm, nostalgic spices creating a luscious spread that embodies Christmas cheer in every spoonful. It’s not just a jam; it’s a celebration of tradition, warmth, and thoughtful gifting all wrapped up in one glorious recipe that will make your kitchen smell like holiday magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Jam lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and that unmistakable holiday spice charm that makes this jam truly special.

• 12 oz. package cranberries: These bring the perfect tangy punch and festive red color.
• 16 oz. strawberries, smashed: Their natural sweetness complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the pectin and blend flavors smoothly.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warming spice with a hint of sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Provides depth and that unmistakable Christmas aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Rounds out the spice flavor with a cozy, comforting touch.
• 4 cups sugar: Sweetens the jam while helping it set perfectly.
• 1 pouch liquid fruit pectin: Essential for achieving that ideal jam consistency with a nice gel.
• 1/2 teaspoon butter: Reduces foaming during cooking for a cleaner finish.

How to Make How to Make Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars and Equipment

Before diving into the jam-making, it’s important to prep your jars properly to ensure safe canning. Wash the jars, seals, and rings thoroughly. Then, place the jars on a cookie sheet and warm them in the oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This preheating prevents thermal shock when filling with your hot jam.

Step 2: Get the Water Bath Ready

Fill a large canning pot with water, enough to cover your jars by about 1.5 inches. Bring it to a rolling boil and then reduce to a simmer while you prepare the jam. In a separate saucepan, boil water to soften the seals, then keep them warm on low heat until you need them.

Step 3: Coarsely Chop the Cranberries

Place the fresh cranberries in a blender or food processor and pulse just a few times. You want them chopped finely but not pureed, to maintain a lovely texture with bursts of tartness throughout the jam.

Step 4: Combine Fruit and Spices

In a large stockpot, stir together smashed strawberries, chopped cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Pour in the water to help the flavors meld smoothly as the mixture warms.

Step 5: Add Pectin and Butter

Stir in the liquid fruit pectin along with 1/2 teaspoon of butter. The butter is a secret hero—it keeps the jam from foaming excessively, resulting in a clearer, more appealing final product.

Step 6: Boil and Add Sugar

Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, add the sugar all at once. Return the pot to a rolling boil and maintain it for one full minute to activate the pectin and achieve the perfect set.

Step 7: Skim, Jar, and Seal

Remove from heat and carefully skim off any foam that forms on top for a neater texture. Take your warm jars out of the oven and ladle in the hot jam, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Place the lids on, screw on the rings finger-tight, then process the jars in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes to preserve your delicious creation.

Step 8: Cool and Store

After processing, turn off the heat and wait 5 minutes before removing jars to a towel-lined countertop. Let the jars cool naturally without disturbance—you’ll hear a satisfying “pop” indicating a secure seal. Check seals after 24 hours and refrigerate any jars that did not seal properly for immediate use.

How to Serve How to Make Christmas Jam

Garnishes

Enhance your Christmas Jam by pairing it with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and a little extra aroma that’s especially inviting at holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty breads, buttery croissants, or soft cream cheese on crackers. It also makes an excellent complement to roasted meats like turkey or ham, offering a sweet and spicy contrast that brightens up your holiday plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For thoughtful gifts, dress your jars with rustic twine, festive fabric covers, or personalized labels. Gift baskets featuring your Christmas Jam alongside nuts, cheeses, and homemade cookies make for memorable and heartfelt holiday presents your friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover jam that didn’t seal properly, no worries! Just keep it refrigerated and consume it within two weeks for the best flavor and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze Christmas Jam to keep it fresh for longer. Use freezer-safe containers leaving some headspace for expansion, and thaw gently in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

When reheating your Christmas Jam, warm it slowly over low heat and stir to restore its consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain the best flavor and texture for spreading or serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen fruit works perfectly in this recipe, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid if necessary to avoid overly watery jam.

Why do I need to add butter to the jam?

The butter helps reduce foaming during cooking, which results in a clearer, more appealing jam without needing to continually skim the surface.

How long will the sealed jam last?

If sealed properly and stored in a cool, dark place, your Christmas Jam can last up to one year. Once opened, best to consume within a month for optimal freshness.

Can I adjust the spices to my taste?

Definitely! The beauty of How to Make Christmas Jam is how customizable it is; feel free to tweak the cinnamon, cloves, or allspice amounts to suit your personal holiday palate.

Is this jam suitable as a gift?

Yes! Handmade Christmas Jam makes a thoughtful, personal, and delicious gift that friends and family will appreciate during the holidays or anytime.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know How to Make Christmas Jam, you have a wonderful way to bring festive warmth and sweet-spiced joy to your kitchen and table. There’s something truly special about sharing homemade jam during the holidays—it connects us to tradition and fills our homes with love in every jar. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured part of your family’s Christmas celebrations!

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