Christmas Jam is a festive, sweet-tart fruit preserve made with strawberries, cranberries, warm spices, and a touch of citrus. Its vibrant red color and holiday aroma make it perfect for gifting, spreading on toast, serving with scones, or pairing with cheese boards during the holiday season.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 6 half-pint jars
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, crushed
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon butter (optional, reduces foam)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Potato masher or food processor
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized jam jars with lids
- Water bath canner or large pot
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash the strawberries and cranberries thoroughly. Remove the strawberry stems and roughly chop the berries. Place the strawberries and cranberries into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not completely smooth. You can also crush them by hand with a potato masher if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Transfer the fruit mixture to a large saucepan.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Stir the orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves into the fruit mixture. These ingredients provide the signature Christmas flavor, combining bright citrus notes with warm holiday spices.
Mix well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the fruit.
Step 3: Add Pectin
Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the fruit mixture and stir thoroughly. If using butter, add it now. The butter helps reduce foam that can form while boiling.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is one that cannot be stirred down.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Once the fruit mixture reaches a rolling boil, add all of the sugar at once. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil hard for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly. The jam should become glossy and slightly thicker.
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after one minute to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Skim Foam
If foam has formed on the surface, skim it off with a spoon. Removing excess foam gives the finished jam a clearer appearance and improves presentation, especially if you plan to give it as a gift.
Step 6: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
Step 7: Process the Jars
Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
Process for 10 minutes. After processing, carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel-lined surface.
Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Step 8: Check the Seals
Once cooled, press the center of each lid. If the lid does not flex up and down, the jar is properly sealed.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within three weeks.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas Jam is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Spread on toast, muffins, biscuits, or croissants.
- Serve with warm scones and clotted cream.
- Pair with cream cheese and crackers.
- Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies.
- Spoon over pancakes or waffles.
- Add to yogurt or oatmeal.
- Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham.
- Include it on a holiday charcuterie board.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Do not reduce the sugar unless using a low-sugar pectin specifically designed for that purpose.
- Stir constantly during boiling to prevent scorching.
- Measure ingredients accurately for proper setting.
- Use fresh spices for maximum holiday aroma.
- Label jars with the preparation date if giving them as gifts.
Variations
Spiced Christmas Jam
Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.
Vanilla Christmas Jam
Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract after removing the jam from the heat.
Cherry Christmas Jam
Replace one cup of strawberries with sweet cherries for a richer flavor.
Cranberry-Orange Christmas Jam
Increase the orange zest and juice for a brighter citrus profile.
Storage
Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and consume within 3–4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain freshness.
This Christmas Jam captures the flavors and colors of the holiday season in every spoonful, making it a delightful homemade treat and a thoughtful gift for family and friends.
