Christmas Jam

Here’s a beautiful, festive, and flavorful recipe for Christmas Jam – a holiday favorite that combines tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and warm spices. It’s perfect for gifting, spreading on toast or biscuits, or even using in baked goods. The vibrant red color and spiced flavor make it a seasonal standout!

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🎄 Classic Christmas Jam Recipe

🔸 Yield: About 6–7 half-pint jars (8 oz each)

🔸 Prep Time: 15–20 minutes

🔸 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

🔸 Total Time: ~1 hour

🔸 Storage: Shelf-stable when canned properly or refrigerated

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🍓 Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped

• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (~3 cups)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh preferred)

• 1 tbsp orange zest (optional but adds a festive citrus note)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cloves (or ¼ tsp if you want milder spice)

• 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell powdered pectin

• ½ tsp butter (to reduce foaming, optional)

• 5–6 cups granulated sugar

  🔔 Use 5 cups for a tarter jam, 6 cups for a sweeter version.

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🧑‍🍳 Directions

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🔹 Step 1: Prepare Equipment (If Canning)

1. Wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse well.

2. Sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or keep them hot in a 200°F (93°C) oven.

3. Have a canning pot with boiling water ready if water-bath canning.

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🔹 Step 2: Cook the Fruit

1. In a large saucepan, combine:

   • Strawberries

   • Cranberries

   • Lemon juice

   • Orange zest (if using)

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. As the cranberries start to pop, use a potato masher or spoon to break up the berries.

4. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and cranberries are mostly broken down.

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🔹 Step 3: Add Spices and Pectin

1. Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, and powdered pectin.

2. Add butter if using (helps reduce foaming).

3. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop when stirred).

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🔹 Step 4: Add Sugar

1. Add all the sugar at once.

2. Stir constantly and return to a full rolling boil.

3. Boil hard for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

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🔹 Step 5: Jar the Jam

1. Skim off any foam with a spoon.

2. Ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.

3. Wipe rims clean, apply lids, and screw on bands to fingertip-tight.

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🔹 Step 6: Process (Optional for Canning)

1. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).

2. Remove jars and let cool on a towel or rack for 12–24 hours.

3. Check seals – the lids should not flex up and down when pressed.

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🧺 Storage

• Canned (sealed) jars: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

• Opened or unsealed jars: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

• Freezer version: If not canning, you can store cooled jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.

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🍞 End Result

• Texture: Thick, spreadable jam with tender fruit pieces

• Flavor: A perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and warm holiday spice

• Color: Deep ruby red – vibrant and festive!

• Best Uses:

  • Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones

  • Swirled into cheesecake or yogurt

  • As a glaze for meats or in holiday thumbprint cookies

  • Beautiful in jars for holiday gifts!

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🎁 Holiday Gifting Tip

• Decorate jars with:

  • A circle of fabric over the lid

  • Ribbon or twine

  • A handwritten label or tag with:
    “Christmas Jam – Made with love”