Festive Holiday Strawberry-Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful spread that blends the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cranberries and warming spices. It’s perfect for adding a holiday touch to your toast, cheese boards, or desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the strawberries, cranberries, sugar, and spices in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Stir frequently and cook the mixture until it thickens and reaches a jammy consistency, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars for storage.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture before cooking.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a bright citrus twist.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Storage
Store the jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Warm gently before serving if refrigerated or frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for this jam?
Yes, frozen strawberries and cranberries work well. Just thaw them before cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How do I know when the jam is done?
The jam is ready when it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. You can also test by placing a spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s done.
PrintFestive Holiday Strawberry-Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe
A festive Christmas Jam featuring a blend of fresh strawberries and tart cranberries, sweetened with sugar and infused with warm spices to create a thick, jammy spread perfect for holiday breakfasts and treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the strawberries and cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces to encourage even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to evenly distribute the sugar and spices.
- Cook the Jam: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 25-30 minutes.
- Test for Doneness: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilt it; if it wrinkles and holds shape, it is done. If not, continue to simmer and test every 5 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars, seal them, and refrigerate. The jam will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter jam, adjust the sugar quantity to taste.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.
- You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before filling.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the jam or processing jars in a water bath canner to create sealed preserves.
Keywords: Christmas jam, holiday jam, strawberry cranberry jam, festive jam, spiced fruit jam
