Christmas jam

Here’s a classic Christmas Jam recipe—perfect for gifting or spreading on toast during the holidays. This jam is fruity, slightly spiced, and festive, often made with a mix of seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples. I’ll give it in detailed, step-by-step directions.

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🎄 Christmas Jam

Yield

About 4–5 half-pint jars

Prep Time

15–20 minutes

Cook Time

25–30 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped

• 1 cup apple, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)

• 1 orange, zested and juiced

• 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for pectin balance)

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🔧 Equipment

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

• Sterilized jars with lids

• Ladle and funnel (optional, for easier jar filling)

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🔥 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

1. Wash all fruit thoroughly.

2. Hull and chop strawberries, peel and chop apples, and remove any stems from cranberries.

3. Place all fruit in a medium saucepan.

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Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices

1. Add sugar, orange juice, and zest to the fruit.

2. Add cinnamon stick and cloves (if using).

3. Stir gently to combine.

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Step 3: Cook the Jam

1. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

3. Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and fruit softens.

4. Remove cinnamon stick.

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Step 4: Test for Doneness

• Spoon a small amount of jam onto a cold plate.

• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s done.

• If still too runny, simmer another 5 minutes and test again.

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Step 5: Add Lemon Juice

1. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

2. This balances sweetness and helps set the jam.

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Step 6: Jar the Jam

1. Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.

2. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids.

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Step 7: Cool and Store

1. Let jars cool completely at room temperature.

2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for long-term storage (up to 1 year).

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✨ Tips for the Best Christmas Jam

• Mix fruits according to taste: add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for extra color and flavor.

• Spices can be adjusted: nutmeg, allspice, or ginger works well.

• For smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender before canning.