There's a special kind of magic that fills the air during the holiday season, and nothing captures it quite like the aroma of warm, comforting spices. This Festive Spiced Christmas Jam brings that enchanting feeling right into your kitchen, blending the sweet and tart notes of seasonal fruits with a comforting medley of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It's truly a jar of holiday joy, perfect for brightening any breakfast, brunch, or festive gathering.
Creating your own homemade jam is a heartwarming tradition, allowing you to infuse your holiday gifts with a personal touch or simply elevate your own festive spreads. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, making it accessible even for those new to jam-making. Imagine the delight of spreading this vibrant, aromatic jam on a warm scone, a crisp piece of toast, or even pairing it with a gourmet cheese board at your next celebration.
Why This Festive Jam Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite
This isn't just any jam; it's a celebration of holiday flavors! The harmonious blend of cranberries, apples, and oranges provides a beautiful base, while the carefully selected warm spices transform it into something truly extraordinary. You'll love how the rich aromas fill your home as it simmers, setting a wonderfully festive mood. Plus, the satisfaction of making something so delicious from scratch is unmatched. It also makes for an incredibly thoughtful and personal homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
- Rich Holiday Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and deeply spiced notes.
- Simple to Make: Designed for ease, even for novice canners.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it on bread, with cheese, or in baked goods.
- Meaningful Gift Idea: A delightful edible present that shows you care.
The Heart of the Holidays: Spices!
The star of our Christmas jam is undoubtedly the exquisite blend of holiday spices. Cinnamon offers a sweet, woody warmth that is synonymous with festive cheer. Cloves introduce a sweet, pungent, and slightly bitter depth, while ginger provides a subtle, invigorating zing. Together, these spices create a profile that is instantly recognizable and deeply comforting, turning simple fruit into a symphony of festive sensations. The process of making this jam will fill your home with the most inviting holiday fragrances, making the entire experience a pure delight.
Selecting Your Perfect Fruits
For this Festive Spiced Christmas Jam, we've chosen a vibrant trio of cranberries, apples, and oranges. Cranberries lend their essential holiday tartness and a stunning ruby red hue. Apples contribute body, natural pectin, and a gentle sweetness. Diced oranges infuse the jam with a bright, zesty citrus note that beautifully complements the warm spices. Feel free to explore with other seasonal berries if you wish, adding an extra layer of unique flavor to your batch.
Serving & Gifting Made Easy
A homemade gift speaks volumes, and a beautifully jarred Festive Spiced Christmas Jam is no exception. Adorn it with a festive ribbon and a personalized label, and you have a heartfelt present that embodies the spirit of Christmas. It's also a fantastic addition to any holiday spread. Serve it alongside a platter of Heavenly Honeycrisp Apple Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert or a fresh batch of Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!. It pairs wonderfully with creamy goat cheese on crackers, spread generously over a warm holiday biscuit, or even as a flavorful glaze for your holiday ham. For more detailed insights into home canning safety and best practices, consult reliable resources like The National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Tips for Jam-Making Success
While making jam might seem a bit intimidating at first, a few key tips will ensure your success. Always sterilize your jars and lids thoroughly to prevent spoilage and use the freshest, ripest fruit for the best flavor. When adding pectin, ensure the mixture reaches a full, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down — this is crucial for achieving the perfect set. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the spices to make it uniquely yours! Remember, practice makes perfect, and every batch brings you closer to jam-making mastery.
FAQs
How long does homemade Festive Spiced Christmas Jam last?
When properly water-bath canned and sealed, this jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor and freshness.
Can I customize the spices in this Christmas jam?
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade jam is its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to match your taste preferences. You could also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added complexity.
What are the best serving suggestions for Festive Spiced Christmas Jam?
This versatile jam is wonderful spread on toast, scones, or biscuits. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to a holiday cheese board, pairs well with roasted meats like turkey or ham, and can be used as a delicious filling for festive pastries or cookies.
Is special canning equipment necessary for this recipe?
For long-term shelf stability, basic canning equipment such as a large water-bath canner, canning jars, new lids, and rings are recommended. If you plan to enjoy the jam within a few weeks, simply sterilizing your jars and storing the jam in the refrigerator is sufficient.
Festive Spiced Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6-8 half-pint jars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade jam combining cranberries, apples, and oranges with warm holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Ingredients
4 cups mixed fruit (2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 cup diced apples, 1 cup diced oranges)
1/4 cup lemon juice
6 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
1/2 cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your canning jars and lids by sterilizing them. Wash jars in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and keep them hot (either in a boiling water canner or a dishwasher cycle) until ready to fill. Place lids in a small saucepan with simmering water, keeping them warm.
Step 2: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the cranberries, diced apples, diced oranges, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fruits are soft and cranberries have burst. Use a potato masher to lightly crush the fruit if you prefer a smoother jam.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered pectin with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. This helps prevent clumping.
Step 4: Add the remaining 5 3/4 cups of sugar and the pectin-sugar mixture to the fruit in the pot. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the ground cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Step 5: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil vigorously for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully skim off any foam from the surface using a metal spoon.
Step 7: Ladle the hot jam into the prepared hot canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Center the warm lids on the jars and screw on the bands until finger-tight.
Step 8: Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary). After processing, turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals; lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within 2-3 weeks.
Notes
For a more intense citrus flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange zest along with the fruit. If you prefer a less tart jam, reduce the amount of cranberries slightly and increase the apple, or add an extra tablespoon of sugar. Ensure all canning safety guidelines are followed for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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