Christmas Jam
Festive and flavorful, Christmas Jam combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cranberries, creating a vibrant spread perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting. Its bright, fruity taste pairs well with toast, biscuits, or cheese, making it an ideal addition to seasonal celebrations and homemade presents.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind strawberries and cranberries in a food processor or grinder.
- Place the ground fruit in a large kettle.
- Add sugar to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Add liquid fruit pectin and stir.
- Cool for 5 minutes.
- Skim off any foam from the surface.
- Pour hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Adjust jar caps.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh strawberries when in season, but frozen works well year-round. If you're looking for a unique twist, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for brightness. Ensure to skim off foam to achieve a clear jam. Remember to process the jars correctly to avoid spoilage. This jam can also be used in recipes like Chocolate Salad Dressing Cake for a delightful flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas Jam is versatile; spread it on toast, use it as a filling in pastries, or serve it with cheese and crackers for a festive appetizer. It also pairs beautifully with Hot Toddies during the winter months. Consider gifting small jars of this jam during the holidays for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within three weeks. If you have leftovers, you can reheat the jam gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This jam also freezes well if you want to save some for later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Jam contains roughly 669 calories, with 0g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this jam?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, but adjust the sugar and pectin accordingly, as different fruits have varying natural sweetness and pectin levels. Always ensure the total fruit weight remains consistent with the recipe.
What can I use if I don't have liquid fruit pectin?
If you don't have liquid fruit pectin, you can substitute it with powdered pectin by following the instructions on the package for equivalent amounts. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but your jam will still turn out delicious!
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
To reduce sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar slightly, but be aware that this may affect the jam's texture and setting. You can also consider using a sugar substitute designed for canning, but make sure it is suitable for jam-making, as some substitutes may not set properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).