Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you are dreaming of a festive spread that captures the essence of the holiday season, this Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with the bright tartness of cranberries, the natural sweetness of strawberries, and the warm touch of spices and orange, this jam brings a beautiful balance of flavors and colors to your table. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or gift it to loved ones, this jam embodies the cozy spirit of Christmas in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, relying on fresh, seasonal ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tangy cranberries and juicy strawberries to the fragrant orange and warming spices, every element adds depth to the overall flavor, while the pectin ensures the perfect spreadable texture.

• 3 cups cranberries: These provide the tart backbone and vibrant red color crucial for a festive jam.
• 1 orange, peeled and seeded: Adds zesty citrus notes and natural sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor without extra juice weight.
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries: They bring gentle sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a subtle warmth that’s reminiscent of holiday baking.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that complements the fruit perfectly.
• 4 cups sugar: Essential to balance tartness and help the jam set beautifully.
• 1/2 cup water: Keeps the mixture moist and aids in cooking down the fruit.
• 1 (3 ounce) packet liquid fruit pectin: Ensures your jam achieves the ideal, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries and Orange

Start by combining the fresh cranberries and the carefully peeled and seeded orange sections in a food processor. The goal here is to meld their flavors early on while breaking down the fruit for an even jam texture.

Step 2: Coarsely Chop the Mixture

Pulse the cranberries and orange in short bursts until they are coarsely chopped. Avoid overprocessing; you want some texture, not a puree. This step sets the foundation for a jam with lovely bits of fruit.

Step 3: Add Strawberries and Spices

Next, toss in the slightly thawed strawberries, orange zest, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients bring a rich aroma and flavor that scream Christmas in every spoonful.

Step 4: Achieve a Fine Chop

Pulse the mixture again until the fruit is finely chopped but still retains some small chunks. This balance ensures a jam that’s both smooth and satisfyingly fruity.

Step 5: Combine Fruit, Sugar, and Water

Transfer the fruit mixture to a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, then stir in the sugar and water. Mix until everything is well blended. This stage is where the jam starts to come together and sweeten up.

Step 6: Initial Cooking on Low Heat

Cook the mixture over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to help dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. Patience now leads to a jam that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Bring to a Rolling Boil

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. This powerful boil helps break down the fruit further and readies the jam to set properly.

Step 8: Stir in Liquid Pectin

Once boiling, stir in the liquid fruit pectin, which is essential for achieving that perfect jam thickness without affecting flavor.

Step 9: Final Boil for Setting

Keep stirring constantly and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil, boiling hard for exactly one minute. This ensures the jam will gel beautifully once cooled.

Step 10: Remove Foam

Take the pan off the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. This keeps the jam clear and smooth.

Step 11: Jar the Jam

Pour the hot jam immediately into six hot, sterilized half-pint jars. Filling while the jam is hot helps prevent contamination and improves sealing.

Step 12: Clean Jar Rims

Carefully wipe the rims of each jar with a damp cloth to remove any sticky residue. This step is crucial for proper sealing.

Step 13: Apply Lids and Bands

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands just until snug, not too tight. Proper sealing protects your jam for long-term storage.

Step 14: Process in Boiling Water Bath

Submerge the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to finalize the preservation process and guarantee safety.

Step 15: Cool and Seal

Remove the jars from the water bath and cool them away from drafts until the lids seal with a satisfying pop. Now your Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe is ready to enjoy or gift!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch when serving your Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel. These accents not only add a burst of color but also enhance the jam’s citrus-berry flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This jam shines alongside a variety of breakfast and snack options. Spread it generously over warm buttered toast, dollop it on fluffy pancakes or waffles, or pair it with cream cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted turkey or ham for a holiday twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the typical jar presentation by using your Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe as a filling for thumbprint cookies or as a swirl in homemade yogurt parfaits layered with granola and fresh fruit. It also makes a charming homemade gift—packaged in decorated jars tied with festive ribbons, it’s guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover jam after enjoying it fresh, keep it stored in the refrigerator tightly sealed. It will maintain its deliciousness for up to three weeks, and the flavors often deepen beautifully with time.

Freezing

For longer storage, Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe freezes very well. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and it can last up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If your jam thickens too much in storage or freezing, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes spreadable again. Avoid boiling to retain the fresh fruit flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully in this Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe and can bring an even brighter flavor. Just ensure they are ripe but firm.

Do I have to process the jars in a boiling water bath?

Yes. Processing in a boiling water bath is essential for safe canning, preventing spoilage, and ensuring the jam seals properly.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While sugar helps with both preservation and texture, you can reduce it slightly, but keep in mind the jam might be less set and have a shorter shelf life.

What if my jam doesn’t set?

If your jam remains runny, it might need more pectin or longer boiling. You can always re-cook it with a bit more pectin to achieve the perfect consistency.

Can I substitute other spices for cloves and cinnamon?

Yes! While cloves and cinnamon provide a classic Christmas flavor profile, nutmeg or allspice can be used for a different but still festive taste.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe is more than just a festive condiment—it’s a warm hug in a jar. Its perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spice captures the magic of the season and is certain to become a treasured tradition for years to come. Give it a try and watch it transform your holiday breakfasts, snacks, and gifts into something truly special.

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